NewburyOpen.net is Boston, Mass.-area Mac consultant Tech Superpowers Inc.’s effort to create a free, public wireless network in and around the area of Newbury Street, a popular shopping area in Boston’s Back Bay. That location happens to be close to the route of the world-famous Boston Marathon, which takes place on Patriot’s Day: Monday, April 19, 2004. NewburyOpen.net will once again offer spectators close to the Marathon’s final stretch free network access.
NewburyOpen.net is extending out its network using cars and a Buell motorcycle equipped with the necessary hardware. Spectators will be able to check runners’ times using the network themselves, if they come equipped with a Wi-Fi equipped laptop or handheld device, or through car-mounted kiosks provided by NewburyOpen.net, where they’ll also be able to send “Video Postcards.” The Bostonmarathon.com Web site will be tracking runners in real-time using sneaker-mounted chips. More information about NewburyOpen.net’s plans for next week’s Boston Marathon is available online.