Michigan Tries Wi-Fi for Travelers

Wi Fi Planet is carrying this press release regarding the joint SBC / State of Michigan venture to install wireless access points in select Michigan camp grounds, rest areas, state parks and welcome centers throughout Michigan:

Visitors to the Ludington State Park, New Buffalo Welcome Center, Coldwater Welcome Center, Clarkston Rest Area, Grand Haven State Park, Holland State Park, Mackinak Island State Dock, Charles Mears State Park, Sterling State Park, and East Tawas State Dock can purchase wireless access to SBC FreedomLink hotspots in 24-hour blocks for $7.95. Existing SBC customers pay significantly less.

The pilot program is intended to run for three years, but at the end of this summer, planners will conduct their first serious assessment of the success of MiWiFi and determine whether to go forward. As cities and communities around the country struggle to find a successful model for incorporating public Wi-Fi, Michigan has opted for the pay-as-you-go method that requires that virtually no burden be placed on taxpayers.

With the initial rollout of MiWiFi last fall, Michigan became the first state in the nation to offer Wi-Fi at state parks.

See the Michigan Wi-Fi home page (MIWIFI) for additional information.