Grand Haven is first US city to go WiFi

Heralding in a new era of city-wide WiFi Internet access in Grand Haven,
Michigan, Mayor Roger Bergman announced the completion and full operation of the
nation's first city-wide WiFi broadband network. Other cities have announced
their intent to build similar networks or have announced partial deployments. In
contrast, the Grand Haven implementation, by Ottawa Wireless Inc, is the first
full and complete city-wide WiFi deployment in the country.

"As the first WiFi city in America, Grand Haven has truly lived up to
its name in the Internet era, as we now allow anyone anywhere to connect to the
Internet and roam the city and waterways in a completely secure computing
environment," Mayor Bergman said. "It is already enhancing the quality
of life for residents and tourists and enabling the city to provide new
services."

Developed and managed by Ottawa Wireless, a leading provider of wireless
Internet access solutions to business and local government, the system uses
several hundred WiFi (802.11a, b, g) radios strategically located upon the city
infrastructure to blanket its six square miles and provide coverage 15 miles
into Lake Michigan. WiFi, for wireless fidelity, is a technology that gives
users the freedom to receive and transmit data over the Internet at high speeds
from anywhere within the broadcast signal range. VoIP Internet-based phone
service is also available on the new network.

The city-wide WiFi service, which began commercial operation on a smaller
scale in the fall of 2003, represents a technology first for Ottawa Wireless,
which also is developing many other community-wide WiFi "hot cities"
across the Midwest.

"Grand Haven demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work
together to provide an entire city and everyone within its limits with more
affordable, easy-to-access Internet service," Bergman added. "Already
with more than 300 customers, this WiFi service enables new public security
services, attracts businesses, boosts tourism, and supports education."

Grand Haven, population 12,000, has more than 2 million visitors each year.
Some hotels and marinas subsidize the wireless service, offering it free to
guests. A local real estate agent views home listings and prices while touring
properties with clients.

A local web designer has relocated his office to his boat for the summer.
Other current customers include the city administration, large and small
businesses, and restaurants.

CI NEWS BUREAU