FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2005

CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

DeWayne Lehman – DND, (617-635-4802)

Boston Main Streets Kicks Off its Free Wireless Initiative

Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Boston Main Street Program is launching a free wireless initiative in Roslindale and West Roxbury, with plans to extend the initiative to other Main Street districts in the coming months. Roslindale’s WiFi zone is live in Adam’s Park and will be extended to the remainder of the commercial district. West Roxbury’s WiFi zone is currently being built.

The initiative is a public – private partnership between the Boston Main Streets program and a consortium of private companies; ASCIO Wireless, Community Wisp, Colubris Networks and Single Digits. The WiFi zones being built will include a secure interface that users will log into after setting up a free account, and the system will be supported through a combination of donations and advertising revenue generated through a splash page.

The goal of the WiFi initiative is to stimulate knowledge and use of wireless in the Main Street commercial districts and to encourage residents and visitors to spend more time in the commercial districts and adjacent open spaces.