http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/0131cr-wireless31Z6.html
Wireless Web on way Some answers to questions about service
Luci Scott The Arizona Republic Feb. 1, 2006 12:00 AM
Citywide wireless Internet access is coming to Tempe and Chandler.
Tempe is up first. Work on infrastructure is under way, and the service is expected to be running by the end of February. Chandler will be next, with citywide wireless in place by the end of the year.
Chandler's deal requires no city investment, only permission to use municipal utility poles and rights of way. In exchange, Chandler will get free municipal use of the system and two hours of free public access daily in downtown, Chandler Fashion Center and the three largest municipal parks.
But how do you get connected? How will it work?
Karrie Rockwell, spokeswoman for the two cities' wireless provider, NeoReach, provides answers.
What equipment do I need?
You need a wireless card for your older laptop or to use the service with a desktop computer. Newer laptops, personal digital assistants (such as a Blackberry or Palm Pilot) and some new cellphones have built-in wireless capability.
How much does the card cost?
Wireless cards cost from $35 to $100. You can buy a card online or at any electronics store, such as Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, Radio Shack or Circuit City.
Do I need to be a tech whiz to install the wireless card?
No. Installation is simply plug and play. If you need help, manufacturers usually have a toll-free number. NeoReach 24-hour customer support is 1-866-WAZ-WiFi.
After I install my card, how do I sign up?
On your computer from Start, go to Control Panel, then click on Network Connections and then Wireless Network Connections. If you are in range of the network once it's operating, you will see a network called WAZtempe or WAZchandler. WAZ stands for wireless access zone. Click on one of those, and you will be automatically redirected to a page to sign up for the service. Once you have created an account, duplicate these steps to log in.
For information now before the network is up, go to www.WAZtempe.com or www. WAZchandler.com.
Can I hook into wireless for free?
Yes, but only in certain areas.
You can get two hours a day free along Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake in Tempe. In Chandler, free access will be available in downtown, Chandler Fashion Center and the three largest municipal parks.
Users first must open an account with NeoReach by giving the company your credit card number in case you go over the free time. NeoReach also is required to collect basic user information. If someone abuses the network for illegal purposes and the federal government contacts NeoReach, the company has to supply information about the user.
How much does the service cost outside the free zones?
An hour is $3.95, a day is $7.95, a week is $19.95, and a month is $29.95.
Is there free access on the Arizona State University campus?
No. But there is a student discount program beginning the end of February. Students can buy it for 50 percent off the retail price and can pay for the service using the ASU Sun Card, a debit card.
How do I connect more than one computer to my account?
NeoReach is a wholesaler that provides the outdoor roaming network. Its retail partners will launch services this summer that will allow you to connect more than one computer to your account. An outdoor signal is brought indoors by a customer premise equipment device. The CPE device also serves as a signal booster and maximizes the wireless signal.
Can I use the wireless service indoors before the retail-service launch?
It depends on how close you are to an access point. The signal will usually penetrate the first wall of a structure, so if you have a computer near a window, you should be able to get service. The CPE will give an optimal signal indoors for homes and businesses.
Can residents of Chandler and Tempe use the service in the other city?
Yes. If you have an account with NeoReach, you can use your account anywhere the company has a network installed. NeoReach is deploying networks in Sacramento; Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; and Farmers Branch, Texas, a suburb north of Dallas. It is in discussions with other cities in metro Phoenix and around the nation. Tempe's network will be the first to be finished.
If I have a high-speed account with Cox, Qwest or some other provider, should I switch to NeoReach?
It depends on what you use the Internet for - and where you want to use it. If you travel a lot and aren't in Tempe or Chandler to use a dedicated Cox or Qwest connection enough to justify the cost, this service can make sense because it can be pay as you go. The primary advantage of this wireless network is portability. If you primarily use the Internet at home, you may want to stick with what you have.
When will you begin work in Chandler?
NeoReach will begin installing equipment on March 1 at the Chandler-Tempe line and will complete the project within 211 days. The target for completion is fall. There's a tool on the Web site where you can check service availability while the work is continuing.
1-866-WAZ-WiFi
network called WAZtempe or WAZchandler
rip off rates are:
$3.95 an hour $7.95 a day $19.95 a week $29.95 a month!