Under Louisiana law, New Orleans free Wi-Fi network already had its days numbered: The city confirmed last week that their free network would be shut down as EarthLink's much more comprehensive for-fee network launched. The 512 Kbps city network operated under a waiver from state law that restricts municipal operation of networks faster than 128 Kbps. The city had tried to get new legislation passed to continue the network. EarthLink, for its part, promised a free 300 Kbps free service for a limited period of time--"as long as the city rebuilds"--while it sells a faster tier.