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Microsoft Wi-Fi Push: Portland, Oregon, Is Next

Microsoft wants to conquer the wireless fidelity market one city at a time. The company's recent Wi-Fi deal to provide content and services for a wireless network under construction in Portland, Ore., will intensify the battle between Google, Yahoo and Microsoft's MSN for online traffic and ad revenue.

Microsoft's partnership with municipal Wi-Fi operator MetroFi is more than just a me-too gesture following Google's decision to team with partner EarthLink to build out a Wi-Fi network in San Francisco. Content providers that capture the growing municipal Wi-Fi market will be in a better position to enjoy higher traffic to their sites and greater customer loyalty. Meaning, they grab a greater share of online ad dollars, expected to reach $16 billion in the U.S. this year, according to eMarketer.

Read the whole story at Business Week »

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