County Considers Wireless Network

The perks of living in Suffolk County include gorgeous beaches and beautiful people in the Hamptons. Another one could arrive next year: free Internet access for its 1.5 million residents.

County Executive Steve Levy announced the appointment this week of a

15-member committee to develop a business plan and a timeline for creating one of the largest government-sponsored wireless networks in the country.

"We believe we can be a model for developing a wireless network which will serve residents, businesses and visitors to our county," Levy said.

The cities of Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco are also working on plans for wireless access available within their boundaries. Only the Chicago plan would cover more space and more people than Suffolk County.

According to Levy, the wireless network would benefit the county in several ways: speedy transmission of information to emergency responders, filling in service gaps for local businesses, attracting tourists and giving local residents more flexibility.

The county plans to issue a proposal for bidders in December, with a selection made by spring 2007.

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