The mayor, in a statement, did not specifically restrict the task force to Wi-Fi as a solution, although dozens of U.S. cities are already deploying or planning such systems using 802.11a/b/g technology. Analysts believe that WiMax technology may also evolve in the next year to the point where it could be important to schools, cities and office campuses for wireless deployments.

"New technology is constantly changing the way we live, allowing us to do things better, faster and more efficiently," Menino said in the statement. "Perhaps no form of technology is more exciting than Wi-Fi, which offers Internet access that is convenient and affordable."

Boston residents already access Wi-Fi in 28 public libraries and in several areas of the downtown.

According to JiWire Inc., which has kept a directory of hot spots since 2003, there are now more than 100,000 public hot spots worldwide -- with the 100,000 hot-spot threshold crossed just last month. Those locations include hotels and restaurants, as well as an estimated 30 systems run by U.S. cities. Only about 8,000 hot spots globally offer free access, although the trend is moving in that direction, JiWire officials said.

Larger U.S. cities that have already begun implementing Wi-Fi include San Francisco, Philadelphia and Portland, Ore. New York City recently appointed a task force to investigate.