SAN FRANCISCO: Google’s dream to set up a network of wireless internet connectivity in its hometown became a reality on Wednesday, the company’s head of special initiatives confirmed.

The search engine behemoth launched its wireless Internet umbrella in northern California's Silicon Valley, which enables anyone to connect online for free. Of course, this would not have been possible without the $1 million that Google spent out of its coffers for its pet project.

Christopher Sacca, who heads the special initiatives team said the residents have accepted the smashing network, adding people can now connect to the Internet with wireless-enabled computers, telephones or any other devices anywhere in the 11.5 square miles in Mountain View.

Google has put up WiFi antennae in lampposts owned by the city to make this project a reality.

The company also encouraged residents to offer homes as antenna spots in "dead zones."

Google said the firm believes in universal access to the Internet and the world's information. The cost of running the network is "phenomenally cheap" according to Google.

Google has more than 1000 employees stationed in Mountain View.

Sacca said Google’s Internet network has been made possible through 380 access points in the city.

Mountain View has a population of more than 70,000 people.

Google also made clear that the free wireless Internet service would not be supported by online advertisements, which is how the world’s most popular search engine derives a maximum chunk of its revenues.

But consumers have to sign up for a Google account to use the network.

Google’s network offers a connection speed of 1 megabit per second.

This is 15 times more than the speed of most dial-up Internet services, Sacca said.