Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced what the city is calling the "Chicago Broadband Challenge," which aims to shore up broadband shortcomings in the city while offering free Wi-Fi in parks and public areas. The city has issued an RFI seeking input from private companies, universities, and other organizations with three goals in mind: building world-class broadband infrastructure for the city; extending broadband service into underserved areas; and providing free Wi-Fi access in public spaces throughout Chicago.

A new website launched by the city seeks public input on which areas are in the most drastic need of upgrades. The cornerstone of the effort will start by bringing "open, gigabit-speed networks" to "15 innovation zones in key commercial and industrial corridors." No financials have been discussed, and how "open" these networks will truly be will be interesting to watch given the lip service often paid to the concept.

"Chicago will be one of the most connected cities in the world," said Mayor Emanuel in a prepared statement. "The establishment of a world-class broadband network in Chicago will create thousands of jobs and dramatically improve educational opportunities, economic development, health care services, and general quality of life throughout the city. We will rely on the ideas and efforts of Chicagoans to not only build this network, but make sure it is customized for our residents and our workforce."

The effort appears to be similar to one being undertaken by New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, which also has focused on encouraging companies to speed up deployment of gigabit services for businesses while offering free Wi-Fi in NYC subways and parks. Both initiatives come after several years of criticism of the private sector in failing to deliver cutting-edge next-generation networks, especially for business customers as both cities try to challenge the west coast and lure more cutting-edge innovative tech industry. Google Fiber has also highlighted just how unhappy many cities are with current services.

In both instances, New York and Chicago are belatedly realizing their broadband isn't top shelf, and are now asking everyone else (including those largely responsible for poor service) what they're supposed to do about it.