I know that back during Live 8, Philadelphia ran a test on a network called “Cloud” to see if we could handle running a large-scale Wi-Fi network. I didn’t attempt to bring my precious laptop, Madison (Maddie), out into the heat to see if the network was actually working.

I do know that because I have an iBook, I’ve had trouble connecting to networks around the city including Love Park’s network. Cory also has trouble connecting in Love Park with Meridian the Powerbook. I’m not sure if it’s because Cory and I are stupid, or because the Wi-Fi network currently in place in Philadelphia is sub-par. (I keep hoping for the sub-par excuse because no one wants to be told that they’re stupid.)

Anyway, today, the city announced the finalists for the city-wide Wi-Fi network they are looking to run. According to the report I heard on WHYY, the contract should be in place by September, and the network will be built this fall and winter.

“The consortium putting together a plan for a city-wide Wi-Fi network in Philadelphia has named three finalists in the race for the contract.

Wireless Philadelphia chose groups led by AT&T, Hewlett-Packard and EarthLink as the final three possible contractors for the project. The final selection will be made July 29, said Varinia Robinson, program manager for Wireless Philadelphia. An alternate also will be selected.”

I’m interested to see how this plays out, but I’m also interested to see how Verizon and Comcast try to counter this and what sort of deals and offers they’ll trot out to balance out this news.

More reading: Wireless Week

Related posts:

1. Philadelphia Wireless Contracts Finalized (finally)
2. Philly’s Got Earthlink
3. Cellular Service?
4. Unwired
5. Food Network Visits Philadelphia