CITY HALL A firm that provides wireless Internet service to several cities is planning a pilot project for Santa Monica later this year, as city officials look to enhance the delivery of government services and offer residents an inexpensive option for surfing the Web.
Azulstar, a provider out of New Haven, Michigan, was picked from a short list of companies to design, install and maintain a Wi-Fi network that would blanket the entire city, according to Phil Tong, a senior administrative analyst for City Hall.
As part of the selection process, Azulstar is required to design and install a pilot project at no cost to City Hall. Once operational, staff with the Information Services Division and the Wi-Fi Selection Committee will evaluate. The committee is comprised of staff members from ISD, police, fire, economic development, environmental and public works, and the city manager’s office.
If it all checks out, City Council would then have the option of entering into a contract with the company for citywide broadband service. Rates would be addressed at that time.
Azulstar currently offers clients several options for service, including a limited, one hour-per-day plan that is free. For those looking to surf longer, there are unlimited plans starting at $14.95 per month. The company also offers day passes, starting at $5.95.
City Hall has been committed to ensuring residents have access to the information superhighway. To date, 14 “Wi-Fi Hot Zones” have been created throughout town: The Third Street Promenade; the Santa Monica Pier; the Civic Auditorium; City Hall and its courtyard; the Ken Edwards Center; Santa Monica Airport; Reed, Clover, Euclid and Virginia Avenue parks and all libraries.
This year, new locations will be added, most at local parks like Memorial, Douglas, Palisades and Marine.
City Hall has also worked to put more of its services online, allowing people to apply for permits,pay traffic tickets,watch Council meetings or monitor their utility usage. City Hall is also in the middle of redesigning its Web site.
To access the Wi-Fi network, one only needs a computer with wireless capabilities.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 29, 2007. Read the original PDF.