The muni-WiFi space took another hit today with news that MetroFi, a WiFi firm that provides free and premium WiFi service informed subscribers in many of its California markets that it will be shutting down its service on June 20. Subscribers are encouraged to remove the MSN SideGuide application from their computers and find another WiFi provider.
The news comes as little surprise. Just last month, MetroFi told The Wall Street Journal that it was having difficulty 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.
For more:
- see this San Jose Mercury News story
Related stories:
MetroFi considers sale and end to muni-WiFi projects
MetroFi wants $9M from Portland to finish WiFi