Microsoft announced that it will partner with MetroFi to build a free wireless Internet service for Portland, Oregon. Microsoft will provide targeted content to the service's users through its new online platform adCenter--a rival platform to Google's AdSense. adCenter allows advertisers to target users based on browsing habits and other data like gender, age and location. Google has a similar offering rolling out in San Francisco with partner Earthlink. MetroFi already operates muni-WiFi networks in Silicon Valley cities and has agreements with 13 cities across the country. Microsoft said it chose MetroFi because the company has a large footprint in the sector, but Redmond said it is open to work with other partners and cities in the future.
For more on Microsoft's foray into muni-WiFi:
- read this article from WSJ (sub. req.)