Tech Shout!

On Thursday, the city of Anaheim, which is in southern California (southeast of Los Angeles), has officially released its wireless network in collaboration with EarthLink, the leading ISP in the U.S. The Georgia-based EarthLink has announced two plans for usage, including occasional use and continuous access plans.

To support the Anaheim network and other Wi-Fi projects around the country, EarthLink has incorporated a Wi-Fi option to its array of products, which include a modem, along with eight e-mail accounts and the company’s malware protection tools. That package will cost $21.95 USD per month.

For those who plan to only use the Wi-Fi network occasionally, EarthLink launched a number of occasional usage plans, ranging from a one-hour pass retailing for $3.95 USD to a $15.95 USD three-day pass. Additional providers will also be able to provide their services on the network through third-party deals.

The wholesale partners include EarthLink subsidiary PeoplePC and DirecTV. AOL has also signed a contract with the company and plans are in the works to offer the ISP’s content on the network in the near future.

EarthLink also disclosed plans to assist smaller ISPs in setting up Wi-Fi networks in their own markets, as well as offering programs to use the EarthLink Wi-Fi network in markets that the company serves.

Over the past year, EarthLink has won bids to cover eight different cities with Wi-Fi, including high-profile projects in Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco. But the 49-square-mile network in Anaheim is the company’s first commercial launch of the technology, and the country’s largest citywide deployment to date.

“The days when Anaheim residents, workers and visitors are tied to a desk to access an affordable broadband network are coming to an end,” said Garry Betty, president and CEO of EarthLink. “The launch of this network enables people to make a choice about how, and from where, they want to access the Internet securely.”

“EarthLink has always focused on providing the tools and services that allow our customers to personalize their Internet experiences. The launch of this municipal Wi-Fi network in Anaheim is the latest proof-point that we are delivering on that vision,” Betty added.

“Anaheim has always been recognized as a leader throughout California and the nation. Today, with the launch of this network, Anaheim becomes the largest city in the United States to deploy such a technological advancement,” Mayor Curt Pringle said. “Our partnership with EarthLink will benefit residents, businesses and visitors, allowing them to conduct business, answer emails, do school research or interact with our virtual City Hall anywhere and any time in Anaheim.

The Anaheim network is expected to be completed by Q4 of 2006.