Google and others submitted proposals late Friday afternoon to offer a free wireless internet service to San Francisco in response to a program (TechConnect) proposed by the city's mayor, Gavin Newsom, to offer universal broadband internet access to the city's population, writes the New York Times. Google said, however, that it is not yet planning to introduce nationwide internet services; rather, it described its proposal as an opportunity to learn about offering location-based services, including advertising.

The Google proposal would deploy a wireless network based on the 802.11b and g standards and then upgrade to the upcoming 802.11n standard. Google said its service would be "open" but added that it had also proposed wholesaling wireless bandwidth to others that might sell premium services.

SBC Communications, the local phone company, is also planning to submit a proposal.