It's been one year since the Google citywide Wi-Fi system brought free wireless internet to its hometown of Mountain View, California and the search giant is taking the occasion to release some statistics on the project so far.
Google reported that traffic on the network has grown approximately ten percent monthly in the last year to bring the numbers up to about 15,000 unique users in 25,000 homes each month. People are logging on from every corner of the city, and virtually all of the 400 routers the company installed are being used on a given day. The company also gave a gentle push to the stalled San Francisco Wi-Fi project:
"...We continue to hope that EarthLink and [the city of San Francisco] will find a way to enable all San Franciscans to enjoy the free WiFi network they deserve," the post says.
San Francisco and EarthLink are negotiating a contract that would bring wireless Internet access to the city. As part of the plan, Google would sponsor a free version of the service, but the idea remains on the limbo as the negotiations drag on over details, and some even speculate on EarthLink's second thoughts when it comes to footing the bill for network build-out.