And there have been enough users and positive feedback from citizens that the city has already expanded the Wi-Fi coverage area and is planning on eventually providing free or low-cost wireless service across the entire city.

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Google began rolling out the service in the Kansas City metro area last fall, following years of planning, and is already cited as the fastest ISP in the United States by Netflix.

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Debra Davis, a director of City TV Broadcasting, which is planning launch next year in the Birmingham area, says it will be different this time because changes in technology will allow channels like hers to produce higher quality programmes and avoid the "amateurish" look and feel of earlier community channels.

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Brighton and Hove City Council granted planning permission in April for the wheel in the East Cliff conservation area, near Brighton Pier.

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The mayor attributes part of the area's success to cooperation between his office, the Biloxi City Council, the city's Planning Commission, state and U.S. lawmakers and his close relationship with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.

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