April 9, 2007 — (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — Internet service provider EarthLink (earthlink.net) announced on Wednesday it has been selected to build, own and operate Arlington County, Virginia’s Wi-Fi broadband network.
The Wi-Fi mesh network will provide Arlington County with a broadband alternative for residents and visitors to the county and will also enable county employees to work in the field without having to return to an office and a traditional landline to complete their tasks, says the company. EarthLink will also enable Internet access for to-be-determined nonprofit partners of Arlington County as well as create wireless hotspots at a number of Arlington parks, community centers and libraries.
“Arlington County officials recognized the potential of wireless technology when it began deploying hot spots in-and-around government buildings in late 2004 and this agreement with EarthLink fulfills their Wi-Fi vision by delivering a countywide network for all residents and businesses to use and enjoy,” says Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of the ISP’s municipal networks unit. “Our Wi-Fi networks deliver an affordable and portable broadband Internet connection at anytime or in any place and for businesses we will offer a wireless T-1 solution that when compared to existing landline offerings, is mobile and more cost effective than today’s existing offerings.”
EarthLink also recently announced it has selected advertising and marketing agency Hauser Group to help launch and rollout the company’s citywide Wi-Fi networks in markets across the United States.
