Internet service provider EarthLink announced on Friday it has been granted an approval by the New Orleans City Council to build a Wi-Fi broadband network in the city.
The Wi-Fi mesh network will provide affordable, high-speed Internet access for residents, businesses and visitors in New Orleans. EarthLink will provide a paid service tier and a free service tier, which will be offered for a limited time during the city's rebuilding efforts. EarthLink will deploy Tropos Networks' MetroMesh Wi-Fi routers on light poles throughout the city that will enable reliable wireless data connectivity.
"EarthLink is doing its part to help rebuild the Crescent City and enable residents, visitors and the thousands of workers to stay connected with low cost broadband service," says Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of the ISP's municipal networks unit. "Our Wi-Fi solution reflects our vision of delivering broadband opportunities to diverse communities across the country and helping meet the needs of underserved neighborhoods at the request of cities like New Orleans."