Users over at the Google Message Boards give rather mixed opinions on the free Wi-Fi service the search giant is offering residents of Mountain View, California (the site of the new Google headquarters). 380 Wi-Fi nodes placed on utility poles around the city offer users downstream speeds between 855kbps and 1113kbps, and upstream speeds ranging from 144kbps to 986kbps. The major complaint thus far seems to be spotty coverage (you can see their coverage map here).

Google responds to complaints in the thread, noting that the service was never intended to work indoors without the use of a high-powered WiFi modem. "We are in the process of installing additional nodes, which will improve our coverage and reliability across the network," a Google technician posts to the forum. "We have also been visiting individual apartment complexes to discuss the possibility of installing a node on their premises."