Toronto Hydro Telecom announced today the launch of it's city-wide WiFi initiative, One Zone. The first phase of a plan to provide all of Toronto with affordable wireless internet is now active. Phase 1 covers an area from Front to Queen, and from Church to Spadina. By the end of this year that coverage will be significantly expanded, reaching all the way north to Bloor, and from Bathurst to Parliament south of Queen -- six square kilometers, the largest WiFi network in Canada.

Mayor David Miller attended the press conference saying, "this is a watershed moment that will put Toronto on the leading edge of the telecommunications industry nationally and globally". Since the City of Toronto is the sole share-holder of Toronto Hydro Telecom, the wireless service made "good business sense" and could support Libraries, The TTC, Toronto Police and even Toronto Community Housing.

The wireless service will be offered free of charge for a six month period ending March 6th, 2007. After that, there will be three options for users wanting to log on. There will be a $29 monthly subscription, a 24 hour subscription for $10, and an hourly subscription of $5.

Miller added that the service, "sends a strong signal to investors, researchers and other business partners that we see Toronto as a hub for innovation, investment and continued prosperity". Get it? "Strong signal".

Coverage Maps (click to enlarge):

Photo by author, maps by Toronto Hydro Telecom