ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses at place-making through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by examining the places of the city where mobile technology users come to rest. It presents a study conducted from 2008 to 2010 in Quebec City, Canada, of WiFi users and hotspots in collaboration with a local network provider, ZAP Quebec, looking to better understand its clientele. Quebec City is an interesting case because the expansion of the WiFi network has received city government and citizen support since its inception in 2006, and was even part of the Liberal Party election platform at the launch of this study in 2008. Analysis of the use of all hotspots since early 2006 revealed that the most popular places are located near commercial streets and transportation hubs mostly in mixed-use neighborhoods. Situating the hotspots in the broader urban context reveals that those frequented by Local Relaxers and Urban Mobiles are often located in or in proximity to highly trafficked areas.
