MetroFi lands Portland, Ore. Wi-Fi deal

Mountain View, Calif.-based MetroFi has won a contract from the City of Portland, Ore.,--beating out Earthlink and other candidates--to build and operate a free citywide Wi-Fi network.

The mesh network will cover the entire city area of 134 square miles, and Portland's 540,000 residents.

MetroFi’s free Internet access services will be supported by advertising from local and national advertisers, the company said. Customers who want an Internet access experience without ads can connect to the MetroFi network premium service for approximately $20 per month. Customers accessing the network will see a banner or text advertisement in the browser’s frame. Portland-area businesses can leverage the local and regional nature of the network by providing links to their websites, coupons and announcements for users who are connected in close proximity to their establishment.

Portland city officials anticipate improved efficiencies and economies within city government operations as a result of the new Wi-Fi network, which will be used by public safety, public works, property inspectors and other field-based employees.