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Cities hope Wi-Fi will spur economy – Governments are facing resistance from lawmakers

Hoping to attract new businesses and spur job growth, local governments in economically depressed Michigan are attempting to turn their communities into wireless "hot spots,” where computer users can surf the Internet anywhere, including at home or a public park.

Officials say that high-speed wireless Internet networks, known as wireless broadband, have become as essential to daily life as telephones, electric service and other public utilities.

But big telecommunications companies say they can’t make a profit by providing wireless service to everyone who wants it, so local governments are getting involved.

"We’re in a position where we believe the Internet is a necessity now,” said Phil Bertolini, Oakland County’s chief information officer. "Wireless is another piece of an overall economic development strategy that can entice an employer.”

BY RICK HAGLUND
Ann Arbor News Bureau

Full Story: http://www.mlive.com/business/aanews/index.ssf?/base/business-3/112159507512470.xml

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