AT&T Rolls Out First Metro Wi-Fi Service in Riverside
Wireless Broadband Network Ultimately Will Provide Internet Access Across Riverside
RIVERSIDE, Calif., July 9 / - AT&T Inc. announced that AT&T Internet Services has just made broadband Internet access portable. The company has introduced its first deployment of AT&T Metro Wi-Fi, a citywide Wi-Fi access service, across a 3-square-mile portion of Riverside that includes downtown Riverside, Hunter Technology Park and the Adams Auto Center.
AT&T Metro Wi-Fi adds publicly accessible wireless broadband capabilities to the advanced AT&T communications network available in Riverside. The mesh, wireless broadband Internet access network in Riverside includes both a consumer and business solution and a municipal public safety network for use by city agencies. Once fully built out, AT&T Metro Wi-Fi in Riverside will be the nation's largest Wi-Fi deployment for both municipal and public use.
AT&T Metro Wi-Fi offers users a subscription-based high speed Internet access service at $7.99 for a daily (24 hours) pass and $15.99 for a weekly pass. Also included is a free, ad-supported broadband service offered through an AT&T relationship with MetroFi, a leading provider of free wireless Internet access.
In addition to other municipal applications, the city of Riverside is testing the service to run video to and from police department patrol cars. Officers also will use the public safety network for computer-aided dispatch, automated vehicle location and high-speed communications for queries to integrated justice databases to provide detailed information previously unavailable in the field.
Additional applications available with AT&T Metro Wi-Fi include traffic monitoring and coordination, video surveillance to minimize graffiti and illegal dumping and facility security.
"We anticipate great benefits of the system for our public safety agencies," said Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge. "With this introduction of the public system, local residents and businesses will also be able to realize the benefits of portable broadband Internet access."
"AT&T Metro Wi-Fi and MetroFi-Free in Riverside are bringing real value to city services and our residents," said Steve Reneker, chief information officer of the city of Riverside. "The Wi-Fi network is the perfect blend of high speed public safety communications, cost-effective secured government communications, and wireless broadband for consumers and business. Additionally, the network provides a free wireless broadband service that is a stepping stone in our digital inclusion program working to give Internet access to all residences in Riverside."
"Wireless and IP are the future of communications and entertainment, and Riverside is at the cutting edge of technology communities with the addition of this network," said Chris Percy, vice president and general manager, AT&T. "We are investing in innovation throughout our global network, and the launch of AT&T Metro Wi-Fi in Riverside is another step in our work to use wireless and IP to meet customers' needs."
"The AT&T expansion of broadband access in Riverside is sure to add value for the city's residents, businesses and city agencies," said Chuck Haas, chief executive officer and president of MetroFi. "We are proud to support them with free, ad-supported Wi-Fi."
Recently named one of "America's Most Livable Communities," Riverside is the largest city within one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. As the 12th-largest city in California, Riverside has a diverse population of approximately 300,000. Strong elected, civic, and business leadership has enabled a vibrant economy, quality development, cultural amenities, and a progressive outlook that supports the community today and will continue to do so well into its promising future. The city is centrally located in the Inland Empire region approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles and 100 miles north of San Diego.
AT&T is the premier provider of broadband service with the nation's largest Wi-Fi network, and is a leader in delivering IP-based services to residential and small business customers. The company has more than 12.9 million broadband customers and nearly 50,000 hot spots spanning 81 countries. The company also offers satellite-based Internet access services to U.S. customers in select rural and remote locations.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.
About MetroFi, Inc.
Headquartered in Mountain View, California, MetroFi, Inc. is the leader in designing, building and operating high-performance, low-cost, municipal Wi-Fi networks. Now in its fifth year, MetroFi has secured municipal Wi-Fi agreements with nearly a dozen, forward-looking cities across the U.S., including several in California (Concord, Cupertino, Foster City, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale), Illinois (Aurora, Naperville) and Oregon (Portland). Through these citywide networks, MetroFi delivers high-speed, Wi-Fi broadband services, including free mobile Internet access for over a million people (once current networks are fully deployed), as well as fee-based public safety applications, traffic monitoring, utility reading, fixed wireless and more. For more information, please visit http://www.metrofi.com/.
FCMN Contact: rolf.gatlin@fleishman.com
Source: AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Blair Klein of AT&T, +1-312-320-6502; or Austin Carter of City of Riverside, +1-951-826-5231; or Denise Graab of MetroFi,
+1-650-810-8007
Web site: http://www.att.com/
http://www.metrofi.com/
