Google's hometown of Mountain View now has free, citywide wireless internet access, thanks to one of its most prominent corporate citizens.

Google said Tuesday that its Wi-Fi network is now available for use by the 72,000 residents and workers of Mountain View - including more than 1,000 Microsoft employees - on various Wi-Fi devices and telephones, reports Reuters. Those who have a Google Gmail, instant messaging or homepage passwords can use those to log in, or create a temporary one for local access.

Google says it wants to set an example for others to build similar networks to ensure widespread broadband use - which it says results in increased use of its search and advertising services - and to get around roadblocks by phone and cable internet service providers.

Google is not interested in becoming a national ISP, writes the New York Times, quoting Chris Sacca, a Google executive who heads special initiatives for the company. Rather, it's most interested in demonstrating the value of competition in providing internet access - which it says will drive new business ideas that Google and other companies would be able to put into practice.