City's WiFi network gets a big boost from Nortel

Three months after Annapolis Wireless Internet quietly launched a free local network, the company has teamed up with an $11 billion a year telecom giant to help it expand coverage throughout downtown Annapolis and Eastport, company officials said Friday.

Nortel, one of the largest telecommunication equipment manufacturers in the world, will ensure the network's reliability and, ultimately, the reputation of the service, said Philip McQuade, chief executive of Annapolis Wireless.

Mr. McQuade declined to reveal details of the agreement with Nortel.

Mark Powell, CEO of the Sidus Group and a consultant for the wireless...