EarthLink and Google have been tabbed as the most viable bidders to blanket San Francisco with a Wi-Fi network, based on a review by the city’s Department of Telecommunications and Information Services, or DTIS.

The joint bid from the two companies means that the city will initiate contract negotiations with both to create a universal broadband wireless network in the city. DTIS received six proposals, which were submitted to a review panel of city employees and an outside consulting firm.

Under the EarthLink/Google plan, users will have the option of a free Wi-Fi service—the Google portion—that will funded by ads or a pay service that costs around $20 per month from EarthLink. The pay version is expected to be offered at significantly faster connection speeds.

"Our goal sets the city apart: The most important purpose for the network is to provide all San Franciscans, especially low-income families and residents of disadvantaged communities, with equal access to the social, educational and economic opportunities available online,” said Chris Vein, DTIS executive director, in a prepared statement. “We intend to reach this goal in a way that protects privacy and security of all users and provides consumer choice through open access.”

Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of municipal networks, added in prepared remarks, “San Francisco is one of the most progressive cities in the world, and our combined offerings with Google, Motorola and Tropos Networks will stretch the possibilities of what a mobile network can do for residents, businesses, municipal government and visitors. We look forward to getting started in building a solution that will bring the incredible possibilities to reality.”