Wireless Internet is spreading faster in Southeast Michigan than any other metropolitan area across the country, according to a new national study.
Detroit made the biggest jump in the rankings of Intel Corp.'s America's "most unwired cities," leaping from 48th last year to 28th. Ann Arbor ranked 40th.
In a companion survey, Western Michigan University, which connects its students and faculty through a campuswide wireless network, was listed as the country's eighth most unwired college.
The increasing availability of wireless networks at universities is one reason that the technology is no longer just for the business elite, said Ralph Bond, Intel's consumer Education manager.
"In turn, when they leave college and go into the community, they want to have the continued experience of Wi-Fi," he said.
Wireless Internet is transmitted from "hot spots," localized access points that have a radius of about 150 feet. Hot spots are available in many coffee shops, bookstores, airports and hotels. Computers require special receivers to use the signal.
Nearly three-fourths of Michigan's 323 hot spots verified by Intel are in the Detroit area.
But East Lansing has its pockets of hot spots as well.
Visitors to downtown can surf the Internet while shopping and eating at the wireless fidelity hot spot located at Fountain Square and Ann Street Plaza, added in September. Services extend for about a block in each direction from the plazas.
Businesses including The Riv, 231 M.A.C. Ave., Troppo, 213 Ann St., and The Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C. Ave., are included in the area that can pick up the wireless Internet giving visitors the option of connecting while they eat or shop.
Buffalo Wild Wings, 360 Albert Ave., also offers wireless Internet access to students looking to study and surf the Web while enjoying a brew and some buffalo wings.
The restaurant's router can accommodate about 250 wireless users.
Espresso Royale Caffé, 527 E. Grand River Ave., has offered free wireless Internet service to its customers for more than a year.
Beaner's Gourmet Coffee is another popular spot for students seeking wireless Web access. All local locations have featured this service for more than a year.
