A WiFi-ing we will go? (Up front: news, trends & analysis).

The wireless technology known as WiFi, which enables personal and handheld computer users to connect to the Internet at high speed without cables, has always been considered too expensive to deploy on a national basis.

But Cometa Networks, a new company comprised of AT&T, IBM, and Intel, announced its plans to create a nationwide network in the United States by deploying more than 20,000 wireless access points by the end of 2004. Cometa said it will install a cable-less, high-speed Internet connection within a 5-minute walk in urban areas and a 5-minute drive in suburbs. Executives said they will begin offering service through cellular and landline telephone companies, DSL and cable Internet service providers, and other Internet retailers this year.

The service is intended to allow subscribers to get a seamless high-speed wireless extension of their personal or corporate Internet services--initially in the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas--without having to provide credit card numbers. Connections would be at least as fast as a typical home broadband connection.

But the road to WiFi still has a few potholes. Industry analysts say growing WiFi use could steal subscribers from cellular companies hoping they will use cellular phones for data services like movie times, directions, and coupons. If this is the case, those cellular providers probably won't line up to sell WiFi service. More problematic, experts say WiFi hot spots can cost as much as $4,000 each to install in public places. If the average cost is half that, the installation of 20,000 access points would cost $40 million.