Google has pledged $600 million (£392 million) towards the roll out of Wi-Fi at 31 San Francisco parks, reports digitaltrends.com.
The search giant plans on making wireless internet available around the city’s green areas as well its recreation centres and plazas.
To help with the logistics of its ambitious project, Google has enlisted the help of a number of local companies through a partnership with the San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology and Innovation.
Access to the Wi-Fi hotspots will be free for at least two years while people get used to the service. That’s providing Google’s grand vision receives the green light from the San Francisco Planning Department, who could have the project up and running as early as April next year by granting its approval.
The company tried and failed to give citywide Wi-Fi access for San Francisco back in 2007, but local politician Mark Farrell told sfgate.com there are “so many benefits” to Google’s new plans.
“It will help bridge the digital divide, it will empower local residents and community groups who will have access at local parks and it will help Recreation and Park Department staff sign up kids for camps and recreation programs with internet speed many people would be shocked doesn’t already exist,” he commented.
