Officials of Aurora, Ill. have selected SkyPilot and MetroFi to build what they say is the first citywide Wi-Fi network in the state of Illinois.

 The mixed-use network will provide free public Internet access within the city, as well as new public works and public safety services that will deliver dramatic cost savings reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars annually over existing wireless services.

The arrangement with the two companies will allow Aurora to provide a free wireless Internet access service to all members of its community at no public cost. Aurora occupies 42 square miles and has a population of approximately 170,000. 

SkyPilot and MetroFi will deploy a carrier-class mesh network based on SkyPilot products that deliver the 4.9 GHz public safety mesh and 5.8 GHz mesh backhaul portions for its municipal wireless network.  As a result of the significant coverage area provided by the 4.9 GHz frequency band, Aurora’s public works field personnel and first responders will have greatly expanded access to wireless network services to facilitate more responsive voice and data communications.

The two companies have delivered similar services for the California cities of Cupertino, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.