Wireless Internet is available now at San Pedro Square, Plaza de Cesar Chavez and the Circle of the Palms. San Jose City Council members voted unanimously on Oct. 25 to find a vendor to bring WiFi hot spots to an expanded area that is surrounded by Santa Clara, San Carlos and Second streets and Almaden Boulevard. The expansion plan would also allow for WiFi spots in all branch libraries, and community centers.

District 8 Councilman Dave Cortese asked about the possibility of making wireless Internet available citywide and why efforts to bring wireless Internet access were concentrated in the downtown area.

John Bjurman, chief information officer, said staff wants to take a conservative approach so the city is not saddled with technology that might become obsolete.

"We want this to be spread throughout the city of San Jose," he said. "It's a matter of how and when we can do it."

The project to expand WiFi hot spots is estimated to cost less than $100,000. The city will spend an additional $60,000 each year to maintain the project and pay telecommunication fees. The city expects to select a company that can implement the plan by January.