Wi-Fi (or 802.11b) networking in public places isn’t at all uncommon these days. Coffee shops, hotel lobbies, Internet cafes and other gathering spots are popping up all over the place with subscription-based wireless networking services. Boston-area technology management company Tech Superpowers Inc. is taking the move a step forward, however, by offering free Internet access to all comers, at one location in one of Boston’s most popular shopping areas.
Tech Superpowers has hooked up Trident Booksellers Cafe, located at 332 Newbury Street in Boston, with the street’s first free public wireless Internet access. The company offers Web and e-mail access on what it calls the Newbury Open Network, and plans to open the network to more services in the future. Speeds range from 128K to 1.5Mbps depending on where you are in the bookstore or cafe.
Best yet, Tech Superpowers Inc. is putting out the call for other merchants to join the Newbury Open Network — the company charges a start up fee and no monthly recurring cost.
Calling it the first step to creating a digital street in the heart of Boston, Tech Superpowers Inc. president Michael Oh said, “Free wireless Internet access is what people predict for the future, but it’s here today on Newbury Street.”
Tech Superpowers Inc. was founded in 1992 by two MIT undergraduates. The company provides “quality technology tools” for small to midsize companies and Mac users throughout the Boston area.