The DailyWireless.org reports that SoCalFreeNet of San Diego, California is going to be using Sputnik software and hardware to maintain their ever-growing network of free access wireless users. Not to be confused with something from the Russian space program, Sputnik is a “San Francisco-based provider of managed Wi-Fi software and hardware”.

SoCalFreeNet, a 250-member San Diego wireless users group providing free internet access, is using Sputnik software and hardware to power a growing network of access nodes in and around San Diego. “We intend to expand free wireless access across San Diego,” said SoCalFreeNet president Lee Barken, who, in addition to his volunteer work with SoCalFreeNet, is co-director of the STAR Center at San Diego State University. “We hope to work with other wireless user groups to blanket the area and make it possible for all residents to have free Internet access.” SoCalFreeNet already provides free wireless access in about 20 nodes.