August 02, 2003
Portland Business Alliance Helps Bring Free WiFi Back To Pioneer Courthouse Square
As much as I loathe to have to say something positive about the Portland Business Alliance, it wouldn't quite be fair for me to neglect this item from yesterday's Oregonian business section:
The Personal Telco Project, a grass-roots technology nonprofit, has found a new donor of wireless Internet access near the square, replacing one that moved.
The connection enables anyone with a laptop equipped for wireless Internet access to tap into the fast service for free.
From its 10th-floor offices above the square, the Portland Business Alliance this week began broadcasting a connection donated by EasyStreet Online Services, an Internet service provider based in Beaverton.
This is all the more interesting because an actual business is selling WiFi access in the Square, as the Starbucks on the NW corner provides wireless Internet access via T-Mobile. So why is the PBA on board with this?
The business alliance sees the service as a downtown economic development tool.
"It draws creative people, which attracts high-wage employers," said Molly Moore, the alliance's new economy manager.
...
"This is an indicator that sets us apart from other communities," Moore said.
According to the article, access is available throughout the square and in surrounding buildings. For more on wireless Internet access in Portland, visit the Personal Telco Project, which exists "to promote and build public wireless networks through community support and education." You can also read their press release on the new Pioneer Courthouse Square wireless node.