Editor's Corner

When the word first came out that Google wanted to build a wireless network for San Francisco, it was viewed as just another interesting business foray by the search engine company. The news had to shake up network providers given Google can clearly make things happen in different technologies, even if it's not the industry leader. So it's a little surprising that Google isn't interested in vying to build a proposed Silicon Valley WiFi network that city planners are hoping to get off the ground. The Wireless Silicon Valley Task Force issued a request for proposals late last week for a 1,500-sq.-mi. wireless network that would go into service by early next year--just outside of Google's San Francisco net.

While project leaders hope to pull in one main vendor, it acknowledged that the network would very likely require services from several vendors. It's a major undertaking and unique opportunity for a network provider as the task force wants the "ultimate wireless" network built--a challenge you would think Google would jump on given its penchant in moving beyond search engine technology. - Judy