Free Public Wi-Fi in Rohnert Park? FCC Proposal Could Pit Google Against Cell Carriers

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a plan that would create super Wi-Fi networks all around the country—and threaten the viability of big-name cell-phone carriers and Internet providers.

But not all tech companies are against the FCC's plan. Microsoft and Google are spending top dollars to lobby in support of the plan, according to a report in The Washington Post, because they believe free Wi-Fi would help drive further innovation and provide a market for more gadgets.

Cellular carriers are not as supportive. The Post reports that the FCC wants to buy airwaves that are more powerful than a typical household Wi-Fi connection, making it possible that people could opt out of traditional cell phone coverage and home Internet service.

Locally, wi-fi is available at the library, at Sonoma State University and many coffee shops. But efforts to make wi-fi available everywhere have not gotten off the ground.

See a list of available hot spots in Rohnert Park and Cotati here

Even if it's approved by the FCC, a new network would still take several years to implement. And it's unclear how reliable the connection would be in urban areas, where many people might be using the free Wi-Fi system at the same time.

Do you think government-provided Wi-Fi would be good for Rohnert Park? Are there other solutions? Tell us in the comments section below.