MetroFi Brings Fast, Free Wireless Internet to Foster City, CA

Business Wire, Oct 16, 2006

Residents and Visitors Now Have Access to a High-Speed Wi-Fi Connection

FOSTER CITY, Calif. -- MetroFi, a leading provider of free wireless Internet services, municipal services and Internet advertising, today launched a citywide Wi-Fi network that will provide free wireless Internet access and substantially improved public services to Foster City residents and visitors. Foster City becomes the sixth Bay Area city to launch MetroFi's free wireless service network.

The new service demonstrates a commitment to stay at the top of the technology curve by providing citywide, affordable Internet access for its residents. The MetroFi Foster City system is built at no cost to the city and expects to provide significant savings in productivity, communications cost and wireless Internet service fees by using the network.

"We are thrilled to see MetroFi deploy a wireless Internet network throughout the city, and are happy our residents and visitors will now have free access to the Internet," said Foster City Mayor Linda Koelling. "The City works hard to maintain a business and technological edge, and offering free Wi-Fi will be a critical component."

Foster City's service from MetroFi will be available in 95 percent of all outdoor and indoor locations, providing a free broadband alternative to the community. The service, which can be accessed with any device that supports a wireless connection, delivers wireless access to 1Mbps at no cost for residents and visitors. Foster City's public workers, field personnel and fire safety personnel, will also tap the wireless network services to facilitate more responsive data communications.

"Wi-Fi broadband has gained acceptance in many homes and businesses as a portable broadband experience. Providing this network to Foster City expands upon the ever-growing desire to stay connected to the information and social channels that make up our lives," said Chuck Haas, CEO and co-founder of MetroFi. "Our free network is now available to you wherever you go. You can use MetroFi broadband at your home, outdoors and in your community."

MetroFi's free Internet access services will be supported by advertising from local and national advertisers. Customers accessing the network will see online advertising as part of their user experience. Customers who want an Internet access experience without ads can connect to the MetroFi network premium service for approximately $20 per month. Foster City-area businesses can leverage the local and regional nature of the network by providing links to their websites, coupons and announcements for users who are connected in close proximity to their establishment.

About MetroFi

Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., MetroFi is a leading provider of community Internet services including free wireless Internet, local Internet advertising and Internet services to municipal businesses. MetroFi has secured agreements with 12 cities across the US including Portland, Ore., San Jose, Calif, and Aurora, Ill. to design, build and operate free municipal Wi-Fi networks for residents, visitors and city workers that are advertising supported from local and national advertisers. For cities interested in establishing a MetroFi Wi-fi network in their market, or advertisers who are interested in reaching local audiences, visit www.metrofi.com.