Google to offer free WiFi broadband Internet in San Francisco

Google submitted the proposal at 5 p.m. Friday, the deadline the city had set for companies to respond to a ``request for information'' and comments about setting up a community broadband network.

Newsom has made wireless broadband for city residents one of his priorities, saying last year, ``We will not stop until every San Franciscan has access to free wireless Internet service.''

The city wants the service to be available to residents, businesses and city emergency personnel. Its goal is 90 percent coverage for indoor use and 95 percent coverage for outdoor use. City officials do not want residents to have to buy additional equipment beyond that which comes with their laptop computers or handheld devices.