Highway hot spots; Iowa's rest stops among first with free wireless Web

[leQ]

i know there are some DUrs from iowa and surrounding states, so i thought this would be nice time to hear some good news.

Motorists on Iowa's interstate highways are among the first in the nation who can check their e-mail and surf the Internet for free when they pull into rest areas to stretch their legs, take bathroom breaks or walk dogs.

The wireless hot spots are now available at rest stops near Mitchellville and Davenport on Interstate Highway 80, and near Osceola on Interstate Highway 35, Iowa Department of Transportation officials said. A similar service will begin soon at rest areas near Adair on I-80. After a six-month trial, access may expand to 40 rest areas statewide, officials said.

Iowa is one of the first states to launch wireless access at its rest areas, said Steve McMenamin, Iowa's rest area administrator. Texas began experimenting with free wireless hot spots last fall, and other states are considering the idea.

Wireless users will be directed to a customized home page that includes links to Iowa weather and road conditions; Amber Alerts concerning missing children; food, lodging and fuel at nearby businesses; and tourist attractions and events.

more @
Des Moine Register

[WyLoochka]

1. Meanwhile Arizona has

closed many rest areas, as has New Mexico. If you need a pit stop, you are forced to get completely off the interstate and go to a fast food place.