POMONA, Calif. -- The City of Pomona (http://www.ci.pomona.ca.us) today announced the completion of a pilot project that provides wireless (WiFi) Internet access to downtown Pomona businesses, residents and visitors.

Pomona reached an agreement with Affiliated Computer Services (NYSE:ACS) in a joint pilot project with Cheetah Wireless Technologies, Inc. (http://www.cwti.us), Tropos Networks and Nomadix to use wireless technology and innovative applications to enhance government efficiency, promote economic growth, foster greater community satisfaction and bridge the digital divide.

"This is a tremendous step forward for the City and its citizens," said John DePolis, the ACS Account Manager and City's Technology Manager. "By developing this partnership and providing this infrastructure, we have helped enhance neighborhoods and business development, reduce the costs of government and advance educational tools and resources."

The wireless area will span over one square mile bordered on the north by Holt Avenue, south by Ninth Street, west by Rebecca Street and east by Towne Avenue. The high speed wireless network will initially serve numerous community stakeholders including City Hall, the Police Department, Western University, Cal Poly Pomona's Downtown Center, the Downtown Pomona Business District, Pomona Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, PUSD, the School of Arts & Enterprise and many others.

"Downtown Pomona is quickly becoming a digital city that supports economic development, social development and helps bridge the digital divide. We are already planning to expand the wireless Internet umbrella throughout the City," said City Manager Doug Dunlap. "With wireless Internet connections the City and our technology providers are making access to the Internet more reliable, economical and convenient for the students, businesses, and residents in downtown Pomona."

Wireless technology uses radio transmissions to connect computer devices to a network or to each other. Computer users beneath this wireless "mesh canopy" will be able to connect quickly and easily to the Internet at distances of up to about 100 yards. With Wi-Fi, users can surf the Web, access work files, and check email all without having to plug into a network or telephone jack.

"This wireless access is only the tip of the iceberg in Pomona's digital advancement goals," said Mayor Norma Torres. "We hope to provide more technology services that will empower businesses, residents and visitors in ways that have only begun to be explored."

Cheetah Wireless Technologies Inc.