Wi-Fi network access at airports, coffee shops and other locations has made accessing the Web a snap for laptop computer users everywhere.

A $3 million plan to blanket Lompoc, Calif., with a wireless Internet system promised a quantum leap for economic development: The remote community hit hard by cutbacks at nearby Vandenberg Air Force Base would join the 21st century with cheap and plentiful high-speed access.

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - The world’s leading electronics makers have teamed up to develop a wireless technology to carry high-definition video and eliminate some of the cable spaghetti that links televisions with set-top boxes and other equipment.

A project to turn all of Tempe into a giant Wi-Fi hot spot is proceeding on schedule, with the first phase set for completion at the end of this month.

A project to turn all of Tempe into a giant Wi-Fi hot spot is proceeding on schedule, with the first phase set for completion at the end of this month.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The technology behind wireless data networks in homes and businesses is on the verge of a makeover that promises to fix long-standing complaints of spotty coverage, flaky connections and inconsistent speeds.

Tempe can move forward with plans to become the first in the country to offer its residents citywide wireless broadband Internet service.

Tempe can move forward with plans to become the first in the country to offer its residents citywide wireless broadband Internet service.

Cingular Wireless LLC completed its $41 billion acquisition of AT &T Wireless Services on Tuesday after federal regulators gave their blessings to the merger.

Chandler-based Microchip Technology is acquiring Roving Networks, a California-based wireless communications developer. Microchip bought the privately held firm for an undisclosed amount.

Qwest Wireless customers have less than a month to switch their service to another provider because of Qwest's plans to discontinue its wireless telephone business on Oct. 31.

Chandler leaders this week will consider following Tempe’s lead in turning their city into a giant wi-fi hot spot.

Call it a municipal status symbol in the digital age: A city blanketed in wireless Internet access, available at every home, cafe, office and park.

Bluewire LLC, a Chandler-based information technology company, has started offering wireless broadband service to residents and businesses in Queen Creek and other parts of southeast Maricopa County where high-speed Internet options are limited. The company has set up an antenna on a cell tower near Greenfield and Pecos roads.

Call it a municipal status symbol in the digital age: A city blanketed in wireless Internet access, available at every home, cafe, office and park.

Call it a municipal status symbol in the digital age: A city blanketed in wireless Internet access, available at every home, cafe, office and park.

A few years ago, cities wanted to be wired.

LOS ANGELES - When someone dials Leah Balecha's mobile phone, it doesn't ring. It jams with the sounds of 50 Cent, OutKast, Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson.

A few years ago, cities wanted to be wired.

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators voted Wednesday to give airline passengers high-speed Internet connections while they fly.

December 15, 2004