Free for all WiFi planned for LA

The City of Los Angeles is planning to give its residents free or highly affordable wireless Internet access within two years in a bid to enhance the city's innovation credentials.

The US$60 million plan, known as the LA WiFi Initiative, will provide high-speed Internet access to the city's four million residents. Advertisers and telecommunications companies will fund the service.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says his bold plan will have a dramatic impact on every neighbourhood and economic sector in the city. The project will be open to tender later this year, The Australian reports.