Cieslewicz first proposed a municipal Wi-Fi network for Madison in May, 2004 at his "Healthy City" economic development conference. In December, 2004, the City partnered with Dane County and the State of Wisconsin to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking companies interested in building the City's Wi-Fi network. The initial lead vendor selected for the project, AOL, withdrew in September, 2005 and was replaced by Cellnet. The network is being built and operated without the use of any taxpayer funds.
The initial launch last month called Phase 1 covers the downtown area, near east and near west sides, and neighborhoods along the South Park Street corridor on Madison's south side. The Dane County Regional Airport is also included. Ultimately, the network is expected to be expanded citywide, once the financial feasibility of Phase 1 has been established. Cieslewicz has indicated he would like to see that expansion occur within the next year.
More information about the program is available at www.madcitybroadband.com.
