A gift from Google A gift from Google (November 18, 2005)

Google, the ubiquitous startup that has captured the world's attention with its unforgettable moniker and ultra-smart search engine, is now making more of a name for itself in its hometown by offering to provide free wireless Internet throughout the Mountain View community.

Local leaders are understandably grateful and hope the Charleston Road company's fame will rub off on the city, which is mentioned virtually every time Google's name comes up in a news story. And it doesn't hurt that the company is a very bright star on Wall Street these days, closing at nearly $400 a share Monday after going on sale last August for a suggested price of $108 to $135.

Google has been working with the city for some time to firm up its offer. It will pay $12,600 a year for the right to install hundreds of access points throughout the city to carry the WiFi signal, which should be available everywhere, even in the front rooms of many houses. The signal will be broadcast over a low-power radio network that operates much like cell phone technology. The only cables needed will be on three rooftop locations in the city.

Google officials told the Voice that the company wants to test its WiFi technology in a new venue while helping out the community and the approximately 1,000 company employees who live in Mountain View. "We would like to see more and more people have access to the Internet and lower and lower cost barriers," said Chris Sacca, the company's principal of new business development.

The free WiFi for Mountain View is a perfect vehicle for Google to achieve its goals of making information more accessible while solidifying its relationship with the city. In the coming months, the city plans to unveil the library's new Google-funded bookmobile, which will have on-board Internet access and a computerized catalog.

When compared to the scale of Google's worldwide operations, neither the WiFi nor the bookmobile are huge projects, but both are thoughtful and appropriate gifts with a high-tech twist. We hope Google continues to pay attention to Mountain View, even as it plans a major expansion at Moffett Field in the near future, outside of city limits.

Our guess is that Google and Mountain View will always have a close relationship, even if the official company headquarters does pop up a mile or so away from the city limits.

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