Minneapolis network operator says completion is close: About 85 percent of the network that US Internet is building in this Minnesotan city is complete, with the remainder done by February. US Internet has previously said that based on current subscribers and interest by people in areas that weren't covered, they could be cash flow positive in what seems to be months. That would be a huge milestone for the entire industry if it comes to pass. As usual utility poles figure into delays: Some poles don't have day-time electricity, exacerbated by what sounds like bad maintenance leading to cracked conduits where wiring could otherwise have been added.
Longmont considers buying network at fire sale: The city of Longmont, Colo., thinks that the network built by Kite Networks for their city could be worthwhile if purchased at discount if no other buyers emerge, this story from the local paper notes. Under Colorado law, voters would have to approve.
Boingo, JiWire partner in airport ad deal: Boingo Wireless will rely on JiWire for airport advertising on its 28 airport Wi-Fi networks. The deal is described as additive to revenue--that is, there's no mention of passengers getting free Wi-Fi for watching ads, although that's been part of JiWire's strategy elsewhere, including an ads-for-free-Wi-Fi deal for iPhone/iPod touch users in airports that obviously involves Boingo. (Disclosure: I own a vanishingly small number of shares in privately held JiWire.)
USA Today profiles Skyhook Wireless: The company's Wi-Fi-based GPS-like service was picked up by Apple, and this should make more deals easier for the firm.
Fon offers free routers to Castro neighborhood in San Francisco: Cher impersonator encourages people to share. Get it? The Cher connection comes from the Castro's long history as a gay commumity.