Project Lily Pad, in conjunction with Time Warner Cable, installed two access points – small devices the size of a pizza box with rabbit ear antennas – on top of Graters and the Mariemont Inn. The business owners expressed interest in having the free service, which would serve all village citizens, businesses and Internet users in the area.

The service is free of cost because it is paid for by corporate sponsors solicited and retained by Lily Pad. Also, Lily Pad is responsible for all devices, project and sponsorship maintenance. The service is maintained by volunteers, too.

“The goal is to provide hot spots throughout the Cincinnati,” so that eventually free Internet access will be provided almost everywhere, according to Lily Pad volunteer Dan Barford.

“Using a PC or a PDA, users can access information while sitting on a bench in the park, walking down the street or while dining at a local restaurant. All for free … no strings attached,” according to the Lily Pad Web site, http://lilypadusa.org/index.html

Lily Pad Web sites and signage will promote the area as a free wireless zone and recognize sponsors, enabling them to promote their products to users and inquirers. The tax-deductible sponsorship will cover costs of installation, data access, maintenance, and marketing of the Lily Pad.