This past Thursday, consulting firm and idea incubator inc.well announced the launch of a free Wireless Internet Zone (WIZ) in Jacksonville, Florida. This outdoor WIZ will be one of several expected to be launched by inc.well throughout that city.
inc.well designed and developed the technology and implementation framework for the project. The zone is designed to provide wireless Internet access through laptop and handheld devices. The WIZ Project Team in Jacksonville is comprised of public and private organizations that could benefit from broader community access to the Internet.
According to inc.well, the Jacksonville WIZ is the first free network of its type in any major U.S. city. inc.well stated that this is the first city/business sponsored WIZ designed specifically to promote commerce. The WIZ went live around the Jacksonville Landing, which is a retail, restaurant, and amusement center on the city’s riverfront.
The initial WIZ infrastructure is scalable, according to inc.well. The consulting firm will market the idea towards businesses which will in turn sponsor new zones. Expansion could also occur through the creation of commercially available subscription areas and services.
According to inc.well, any device equipped with 802.11b, or Wi-Fi connectivity can access the WIZ at the Jacksonville Landing. More information on the project can be found at www.jaxwiz.org.
It should be noted that there are many other free WIZs worldwide but the Jacksonville WIZ is by its nature a unique, commercially-sponsored network.
Matthew Peretz is Managing Editor of 802.11-Planet.com
