San Francisco, August 30, 2004—Sputnik, a San Francisco-based provider of managed Wi-Fi software and hardware is backing a free, community Wi-Fi network started by SoCalFreeNet, a 250-member San Diego wireless users group. Sputnik is providing the volunteer group with software and hardware that will power a growing network of access nodes in and around San Diego that provides free wireless Internet access.
SoCalFreeNet provides volunteer expertise and labor to deploy and service the growing network as a community service. Wireless enthusiast and SoCalFreeNet president Lee Barken said, "SoCalFreeNet already provides free wireless access at about 20 nodes in the southern California area. We hope to work with other wireless user groups to blanket the area and make it possible for all residents to have free Internet access."
In 2003, SoCalFreeNet launched a wireless access project in the Golden Hill neighborhood of San Diego. Partnering with a local property owner, the group set up free community wireless Internet access that reaches several apartment buildings and stores in the area.
"Wi-Fi Internet access, already acknowledged to be a competitive advantage for hotels and cafes, can also be a strong part of a community," said David LaDuke, Sputnik CEO. "For example, according to the property owner, prospective tenants cite free wireless access as a decision criterion for selecting the Golden Hill apartment buildings unwired by SoCalFreeNet."
"We intend to expand free wireless access across San Diego," said Barken, who, in addition to his volunteer work with SoCalFreeNet, is co-director of the STAR Center at San Diego State University (http://starcenter.sdsu.edu). "We strongly believe that free wireless access is a community resource." SoCalFreeNet relies on community-spirited benefactors, landlords, retail stores, and in some cases individual homeowners, to spread the coverage footprint.
Sputnik's award-winning wireless network management software enables Wi-Fi providers such as SoCalFreeNet to provision networks remotely, authenticate and track end users, and manage all its networks from a central location. In addition to free access, Sputnik wireless networks also support subscription access and other business models.
"We are proud to partner with SoCalFreeNet in this venture to unwire San Diego," said LaDuke. "Only Sputnik products keep capital and operating costs low so that volunteer organizations such as SoCalFreeNet can build and manage wireless networks."
SoCalFreeNet.org is a non-profit community group dedicated to building, deploying and growing public wireless networks to increase widespread broadband adoption and create an empowered, connected society, where technology becomes a community resource.
Sputnik Inc. provides the first software platform for wireless networks and applications designed for businesses and institutions. Remote network and subscriber management allows cost-effective operation of multiple indoor and outdoor wireless venues. Sputnik launched its commercial products in November 2003 and has gained over 300 customers, many of whom are engaging in major deployments in 2004. The privately funded company is based in San Francisco.
