The First State Wireless Broadband Network?

There's been lots of publicity about municipal wireless networks.  Now Rhode Island wants to take the concept to the next level.  Fierce Wireless had this interesting article today.  No spokesmen from Verizon are quoted:

Rhode Island is aiming to build the first statewide wireless broadband network by 2007 using a combination of WiFi and WiMAX technologies. The Rhode Island Wireless Innovation Networks, part of a $20 million project, are expected to cover the entire 1,045-sq.-mi. state using hybrid WiFi/WiMAX technology. No word on who's providing the infrastructure.

For more about Rhode Island's state-wide wireless initiative:
- take a look at this article from TeleClick