Harvard Sq. offers free Wi-Fi

CAMBRIDGE. A free wireless network will be formally launched in Harvard Square this afternoon, a project that stems from months of planning and will utilize technology originally developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Harvard Square Business Association will manage the network, which began testing back in January. The network will use high-speed wireless boxes purchased from California-based Meraki, Inc., whose technology was developed as a research project at MIT. The technology relies on installing multiple small boxes around the neighborhood — including in homes or businesses — that can connect to each other and help spread the signal farther.

“We thought it would be wonderful opportunity to bring free Wi-Fi access to the public free of charge,” said Denise Jillson, the Harvard Square Business Association’s executive director.

The project’s cost, pegged at under $20,000, is relatively inexpensive compared to other cities have paid to implement Wi-Fi programs, Jillson said. Over the next few months, officials will monitor network usage and deploy additional boxes if connection speeds slow down.

“There are a lot of unknowns, but we need to make it public to have those questions answered,” Jillson said.

Jillson said if the project is successful, officials would consider expanding the network down Massachusetts Avenue toward Central Square and MIT.

There are also several other pockets of wireless networks in Cambridge, including around City Hall, at low-income and senior housing buildings and on Harvard University’s campus.

Today's announcement will occur outside Out of Town News at 4 p.m.