Free Wi-Fi Comes to Philadelphia

Although details are still being worked out, free wireless access will be available to Philadelphians as of today. The system will be reassessed over the the next few months along with a formal roll-out later this year.

With the new plan, the focus will no longer be on a paid subscriber model. In fact, Philadelphia will become the world's largest free hotspot -- with service available at no cost wherever a signal can be reached.

It is said that an ad-supported model is being considered, and the new company is hoping to lure in "institutional subscribers" -- such as business and universities -- to help foot the bill.

Whomever takes over the network will need to generate a good deal of revenue: EarthLink estimated it would cost about $180,000 to $200,000 per month to maintain it in mid-May, as it was pulling out of the deal.

These costs will likely increase, since the new company is planning to both improve the system as well as complete its rollout to the entire 135 square miles that Philadelphia covers.