Free Wifi in SaskaBUSH

ok I am sure there are lost of reasons why this wouldn't work
here,... but COME ON!!! Sakatchewan is ahead of us?

I saw an article in the Globe about this , this service is not full
high-high speed, but fast enuff and NOT a pilot project to switch to
a paying model, its FREE!

PROVINCE TO PROVIDE FREE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

Residents and visitors to the downtown business districts and post-
secondary institutions of Saskatchewan's four largest centres will
soon be able to access the country's largest wireless Internet
network, free-of-charge. Premier Lorne Calvert and Minister
responsible for Information Technology Andrew Thomson made the
announcement today in Saskatoon.

The Saskatchewan! Connected initiative will offer users basic
Internet service in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, and Moose Jaw
via a wireless Wi-Fi network to be operated by the government
Information Technology Office, SaskTel and other partners. The
service will also be available in select business districts in close
proximity to downtown Saskatoon and Regina.

"Expanding the province's information technology infrastructure was
one of the many ideas presented by Saskatchewan youth at the recent
Youth Summit in Saskatoon," Calvert said. "This exciting initiative
is just one more way of enhancing the progressive image of
Saskatchewan's communities as the best place for young people to
work, live and build strong futures."

Saskatchewan! Connected means users will no longer have to switch
from service to service as they roam around the coverage area. It
will also help to bridge the 'digital divide' by providing no-cost
Internet access to residents of the areas who may be unable to afford
monthly rates for Internet access. Any existing desktop or laptop
computer can be configured with a Wi-Fi adaptor for under $100 and
then connected quickly and conveniently to the free service.

Work on the project will begin shortly, with the service expected to
be available to users this spring. As a publicly-accessible network,
special provisions will be made to prevent access to inappropriate
materials.

"The service will help businesses attract customers, while also
benefiting business people visiting our province, youth and others,"
Thomson said. "Saskatchewan! Connected will be the largest free Wi
Fi network in Canada, demonstrating once again that Saskatchewan is a
leader in innovation and technology advancement."

The capital cost of the project will be $1.3 million, with annual
operating costs of $339,000. For more information on the program
please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/connected.