The new movement is going wireless and Reston could soon be on the list of "hot spots" for internet connections.

The goal is to bring WiFi to local businesses and residents free of charge and the Reston Citizens Association is on a mission to make that happen.

Last week, a handful of people met at Reston Town Center to discuss the possibility of having a wireless Reston available to those who live, work and play in the area.

Gary Lee Thomas, the North Point representative for RCA, said the purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm and share ideas on what they envisioned for Reston's future.

"At this point we have all agreed that we want to be part of the RCA WiFi exploratory committee," Thomas said.

Thomas said the idea is still in its infant stages, but the group is actively working to put together a package to propose to local businesses and is getting ready to launch a new Web site.

Thomas said the new WiFi committee wants to provide Reston residents with something similar to what Annapolis, Md., did for its residents. The city of Annapolis launched WiFi for its residents earlier this year.

Thomas said the first step for Reston is to develop a sound proposal, raise money and make contacts with the Reston Association and Reston Community Center to use some of their properties to test the new technology.

Thomas said a good place to start would be the Lake Anne Village Center.

"Nothing has been decided, but for example, Lake Anne would be a prime location," Thomas said. "If we could pitch an idea like that one it would be great for the revitalization of the area for local businesses and residents."

Thomas said the group understands there will be pretty hefty costs involved with undertaking a project like this, adding that "a project like this could not be done overnight."

Thomas said, at the moment, costs could range between $10,000 and $15,000.

Jim Gunther, a Reston resident who attended the meeting last week, said he is on board with the project because the benefits would be greater than simply checking your e-mail at a coffee shop on the weekends.

Gunther said wireless technology could bridge the digital divide in the community and help everyone from students to law enforcement access high-speed Internet anytime they need.

"We also have the lower income families who can't afford to connect to the net," he said. "This community service could help high school students access the Internet for research and help improve their grades."

Gunther also said that wireless Internet would attract commercial investments, increase property value and the quality of life.

"What's the downside?" Gunther said. " You could be at the pool in the summer and be online, chat with family and friends while at Lake Fairfax. This is a huge movement, people are going wireless."