Web hosting and Internet service provider Galaxy Internet has partnered with SkyPilot Networks, the leading provider of carrier-class broadband wireless mesh networks, to deliver the downtown Boston Wi-Fi HotZone.

Mayor Thomas Menino today announced the city’s wireless initiative and lit the SkyPilot / Galaxy downtown HotZone, consisting of the Quincy Market, City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall area, making it possible for business people, tourists, and residents who visit the areas to access the Internet anytime.

“We said we would move quickly and we have,” Mayor Menino said. “The Boston Wireless Initiative is up and running.”

The Quincy Market HotZone will provide service throughout the marketplace area and will also cover the area around City Hall Plaza. Two companies, Galaxy Internet Services and SkyPilot, donated the service and equipment. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 (IBEW) donated time and labor for the radio installation.

“The downtown locations will help boost economic growth by making the city an even more attractive place to work and visit,” Mayor Menino said.

“With our partner, Galaxy Internet Services, we are excited about providing complete wireless services to the City of Boston in the HotZone consisting of City Hall Plaza, Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall,” said Bob Machlin, SkyPilot president and CEO. “This key wireless initiative is the first among many important steps that the city is taking to help grow the economy and provide a valuable service to the community.”

The Wi-Fi network coverage will include Boston’s downtown area. The network will deliver free Wi-Fi world-class Internet service to Boston residents, businesses, and visitors. The downtown wireless system will utilize SkyPilot’s SkyGateways and SkyExtender DualBands, delivering the latest in advanced carrier-grade mesh networking.

“Delivering Boston’s downtown HotZone is significant for several reasons,” said Galaxy CEO Bob Carp. “As the leading Boston area Internet service provider, we’re excited to deliver the first Wi-Fi network and services to our local community. In addition, we’re happy to continue building on our strategic relationships with the City of Boston and SkyPilot.”

SkyPilot Networks (www.skypilot.com) is the leading provider of carrier-class wireless mesh solutions that enable service providers, municipalities, and public safety agencies to rapidly deploy cost-effective broadband access, voice over IP, public and private Wi-Fi access, video surveillance, and other wireless applications. SkyPilot has proven scalability and reliability with over 200 customers in more than 40 countries. SkyPilot is a privately held company based in Santa Clara, California. For more information on SkyPilot and its solutions, contact pr@skypilot.com.

Galaxy Internet Services (www.gis.net) has been a leader in low cost, quality internet service since 1995. The company provides comprehensive Internet services, ranging from residential broadband, to high speed leased lines and web hosting. Galaxy also owns and operates municipal wireless networks for consumer Wi-Fi, municipal, and public safety applications. Galaxy Internet Services is privately held company located in Newton, Massachusetts.