Google proposes Wi- Fi plan

Company would end free citywide network

MOUNTAIN VIEW — Google is preparing to pull the plug on a free citywide Wi- Fi network it installed in this peninsula city eight years ago.

But the tech giant isn’t planning to leave its hometown bereft of a way to connect to the Internet outdoors.

On Tuesday, the Mountain View City Council is scheduled to consider a proposal to turn downtown into a public WiFi “hot spot” for the next five years. It would serve Castro Street between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue.

Google is also offering a $ 500,000 grant to install WiFi at the community center, library, senior center and Rengstorff Park.

The proposal is the result of discussions between the city and Google about the per-

formance and reliability of the existing Wi- Fi system, which covers all but a few corners of Mountain View.

In a report released Friday, senior administrative analyst Margaret F. Mendoza noted that the network was not designed for the data demands and volume of wireless devices in service today.

“Since the system was launched eight years ago, technology has rapidly changed,” she wrote. “It is clear the system is no longer functioning effectively and Google has indicated they are not in a position to continue citywide Wi- Fi coverage.”

The proposal clears the way for Google to take down the citywide network within two months. The tech giant would also have 180 days to remove its radio transmitters from 563 light poles.

The system was one of the first of its kind in the country.

“This was an innovative partnership that enabled Google to test new technology and provided a valuable service to Mountain View residents and businesses,” Mendoza wrote. However, “it was not intended to be sole or even primary Internet access for community members.”

The new downtown hot spot and Wi- Fi systems at public facilities could potentially be replaced by a fiber network Google has proposed building in cities including Mountain View.

“This provides an exciting opportunity for the community,” said Mendoza, “but requires signifi - cant work by both Google and the city over the next few months to determine the feasibility.”