Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Councilman Tony Cardenas introduced the LA WiFi Initiative on February 14, 2007. An approved proposal would allow the development of a free or highly affordable wireless broadband network for residents, businesses and city workers.
To date, the city has hired a consultant, began community outreach and a feasibility study. The feasibility study will, “explore the needs, interests, and feasibility of developing a wireless network throughout the City.”
According to the LA city website, upon the completion of the feasibility study, a report with findings and recommendations will be forwarded to the Mayor and Council, before the end of 2007.
In the meantime, free or fee-based WiFi can be found in the following city operated locations:
- Los Angeles Public Library Locations (Various Locations)
www.lapl.org
The Los Angeles Public Library provides wireless Internet at no cost to users at the Central Library and all 71 branch locations. Anyone with a WiFi enabled computer can access the service in select areas within the library facilities.
- Van Nuys Civic Center
www.experiencela.com/vannuys
Since October 2004, free Wi-Fi wireless Internet service has been available at the Van Nuys Civic Center.
- Pershing Square (Downtown Los Angeles)
www.experiencela.com/pershingwifi
Pershing Square, located in Downtown LA, offers free WiFi for visitors, residents, and businesses.
- Los Angeles Convention Center (Downtown Los Angeles)
www.lacclink.com
The Los Angeles Convention Center a fee based operational model for Wi-Fi Internet access. The network is designed to provide WiFi coverage throughout the facility for visitors and exhibitors.
- Los Angeles Little Tokyo (Downtown Los Angeles)
www.littletokyounplugged.org
This community wireless network provides Wi-Fi Internet services to local residents, visitors, small businesses, and the nonprofit community.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
www.lawa.org/lax/WiFi.cfm
Fee-for-use Wi-Fi services are available throughout passenger terminals at the Los Angeles International Airport.
