Google & EarthLink SF Citywide WiFi Access

How long will this go on for? Can someone make their mind up? Will we be hearing the same thing for much longer? Please no.

We all know that Google want in on the WiFi game. They see citywide WiFi as yet another way to get people clicking - that is clicking on Google ads. The recently proposed Google / EarthLink citywide WiFi network for San Francisco is an interesting strategic move. Google needs to generate more revenue, and what better way to do this that having ads targetted at your physical location. Looking for freshly baked bread? Search Google and find the nearest bakery. That’s what this is all about.

It is a little strange to see Google change their approach on this one though. Only a few months back they were offering free WiFi access in the SF bay area. Why would Google team up with another company on this one if they already had plans in place to offer the service for free. Something fishy about this one …