The downtown soon could become one big wireless Internet hot spot.

Charlotte-based WILDFIRE Connections is prepared to offer free high-speed wireless Internet service to the city's downtown area, vice president of business development Billy Dunlap told Gaffney City Council at Thursday's workshop.

Dunlap said his company would own, maintain and operate the wifisystem.

"We typically start in the downtown area or anywhere there is high traffic," he said.

The company has installed similar systems in Union and Laurens, he said.

In exchange for free wi-fi, the city must agree to provide the company with free electrical service and attachment rights to cityowned property as well as assist WILDFIRE connections in obtaining $15,000 from founding sponsors.

Dunlap said his company makes money from online advertisers.

His company would provide police officers with a separate line to download their reports while on duty in their cruisers.

The police department also would receive a video surveillance system to monitor potential crime spots, such as city parks or downtown area.

Council received the presentation as information and took no formal action on the proposal.

. WILDFIRE Connections in Charlotte would offer free high-speed wireless Internet service to the downtown area.

. WILDFIRE would own, maintain and operate the system.

. The city would have to agree to provide WILDFIRE with free electrical service and attachment rights to city owned property and assist WILDFIRE in securing $15,000 in sponsors.

. Council took no formal action on the proposal