Taipei to Create City-Wide Wi-Fi Network

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, will construct a Wi-Fi wireless Internet network covering 90% of the city by the ed of 2005, by attaching access points to street and traffic lights. The service's rates are over half as much as wired Internet service, providing a great incentive for people to sign up. However, the massive size of this network could potentially interfere with other wireless devices and home networks, further crowding a limited amount of bandwidth. The system does not plan to break even for five years, as many current Internet users will be hesitant to change their service, or are contractually bound. Q-ware, the company installing the network, is hoping that the convenience of the system will persuade customers, and expect a third of the city's population to sign up.