MetroFi has told its muni-WiFi subscribers in many of its California markets that it will shut down their service on June 20. The move comes after MetroFi last month revealed it was having difficulty with the muni-WiFi model. Namely, it struggled with the budget restrictions of municipal WiFi projects. MetroFi's biggest project, Portland, Ore., had stalled because of financial troubles. At that time, the company was hoping to sell its networks to the cities it served. If that didn't happen, the company said it would shutter its service in 30 to 60 days. Now MetroFi is encouraging its subscribers remove the MSN SideGuide application from their computers and find another WiFi provider.
MetroFi's business appeared on shaky ground a year ago, when the company said it would no longer offer free public WiFi in newly contracted cities that won't commit to minimum municipal service purchases. It's unclear what will happen to the company itself. MetroFi has indicated it is looking for a buyer.
For more:
- see the San Jose Mercury News
Related stories:
MetroFi considers sale and end to muni-WiFi projects
MetroFi wants $9M from Portland to finish WiFi