MetroFi Expands Its Free Wireless Internet Coverage Areas in Portland, Oregon

MetroFihas announced the next phase of its free wireless coverage plan for the city of Portland. The second phase will be completed over the next four months, and will include the districts of Pearl, Old Town, Portland State University's surrounding areas, Hosford-Abernethy, Richmond and Sunnyside, respectively. The Portland network already covers the districts of Buckman, Kerns, Lloyd, Pioneer Courthouse Square and parts of downtown. By May 2007, more than 55,000 Portland residents and 10,000 businesses will be able to enjoy free wireless Internet via MetroFi's Wi-Fi network in their local neighborhoods. Once all phases are completed by mid-2008, MetroFi's Wi-Fi network will cover about 95 percent of the city's 134 square miles.

Within the first month of MetroFi's Portland launch in December 2006 and with just five percent of the City covered to-date, more than 3,000 registered users have enjoyed its free wireless broadband service spending 17,000 hours online. "We are thrilled to see the excitement and active use of MetroFi's Wi-Fi service, said Logan Kleier, the city's project manager in the bureau of technology services. "This next phase will allow even more residents and visitors to benefit from free Internet access and keeps the City's Unwire Portland initiative moving forward."

In the neighborhoods that MetroFi is available, outdoor users need only a Wi-Fi enabled computer to enjoy its free wireless broadband service. For indoor access, MetroFi recommends the use of a wireless booster to ensure a strong signal inside the building.

"We are pleased to be playing a key role in the city's Unwire Portland vision," said Chuck Haas, CEO and co-founder of MetroFi. "We will continue to work with the city, local communities, sponsors and partners to expand our free Internet access coverage and to make MetroFi's Wi-Fi service a true Portland network."

The Portland Wi-Fi network is modeled on wireless broadband networks that MetroFi built and operates in cities like Aurora, Ill., Foster City, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, San Jose and Concord, Calif.