No Internet access at rest areas -- for now

Pantagraph.com reports: State pulls plug on Internet access at rest areas:

"State transportation officials have pulled the plug on a plan to offer free Internet service at interstate rest areas.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, only one company submitted a proposal to offer wireless access at the rest areas, triggering officials to put the idea on hold.

'That essentially puts us back to square one,' said IDOT spokesman Matt Vanover.

Earlier this year, transportation officials had sought to add Illinois to the growing list of states that are transforming rest areas into hot spots for web browsing.

Vanover said officials envision motorists stopping to check out weather and road conditions. They also saw it as a way to help drivers find hotels and restaurants near their destinations.

Iowa, Texas and Washington are among other states that have recently installed wireless Internet capability at rest areas. Some states charge for access, but Illinois had wanted to offer the service for free."