SPOTLIGHT: Boston goes WiFi

OK, so it is not as historically significant as throwing tea into the harbor, but still: The city of Boston has taken a small step in the direction of muni-WiFi. Mayor Thomas Menino has unveiled two free Internet hotspots, one in Quincy Market and another at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, near Long Wharf. A mayoral task force has recommended that Boston designate a nonprofit entity to build a citywide network which would act as a wholesale Internet provider, allowing a number of Internet service providers in turn to offer the service to customers. Galaxy Internet Services and SkyPilot donated the service and equipment for the Quincy Market hotspot, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 helped install the radio equipment. The Columbus Park hotspot was developed by Verizon, Cisco, the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Boston Parks Department. Check out the City of Boston's website.