Who Was On First?

Several cities boast of being the first wi-fi burg in the U.S. Grand Haven, Mich. (pop. 10,900), contends it locked up the title when it covered its 7 sq. mi. last March. But it’s not the only player on the field. Cities such as Half Moon Bay, Calif.; Athens, Ga.; and Chaska, Minn., let folks roam the wireless Web from street corners all around town. Whereas those places might be ahead of the curve, analysts say that big profits have been elusive for companies backing wi-fi projects. Just because you’re among the first doesn’t mean that you will last. –By Wendy Cole