Tech Shout!

On Wednesday, EarthLink, one if the major ISP in the US announced the news of its partnership with search giant Google to submit a proposal to build a public Wi-Fi network in the city of San Francisco. The plan is directed towards getting a two-tier business model, with a free network operated by Google, and a faster fee-based service operated by EarthLink.

EarthLink and Google had submitted proposals during a six-week period in August and September 2005. However, EarthLink intended to offer a paid service, as it will in Philadelphia and Anaheim, while Google proposed a free citywide network.

Finally, both the companies have zeroed on the idea of joining forces to build out the network together, thus decreasing the cost of operation for both companies.

In a statement, EarthLink executive vice president Donald Berryman said, “By coming together to leverage the strengths of both companies, we will be able to offer services to different customers on the network that fit with their own individual needs and wants.”

Berryman explained that the proposal fits in with the ISP’s vision for municipal wireless networks: they should be open access and not tied to a particular provider. In all cases, Wi-Fi networks proposed by EarthLink contain a provision where bandwidth on the network can be resold to third-party vendors at a competitive price.

“Today’s joint RFP submission with Google demonstrates EarthLink’s commitment to bring next-generation broadband access and services to consumers across a number of different platforms,” an EarthLink spokesperson said.