Dear Editor: A recent item in the Patriot mentioned that the city is “pleased to be able to provide free Wi-Fi service.” Also noted was that after two hours, access is then $2.95 per hour.

Perhaps we’re on the verge of some Orwellian logic in Downey in that there will be no taxes for this free service, rather there will just be a fee after the first two hours.

Currently, there is a service at the library that is truly free, so this doesn’t seem like much of a benefit about which the residents can be “pleased.”

Actually, this sounds like a great merchandising “loss-leader” operation for the provider, and one is left to wonder about any tax revenue to the city that is associated with the fee.

Hugh T. Hoskins

Downey

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Published: April 17, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 01