HOUSTON -- The City of Houston announced Wednesday that there is free Internet access in outdoor areas sprinkled throughout downtown Houston, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Nineteen Wi-Fi "hotspots" are available. Some of them include Bayou Place, the central library, Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park, Tranquility Park next to City Hall, and outdoor areas near the courthouses.

"That would be great for people who don't have access at their house, so I think it's a good idea," said Viviana Mendez, who works in downtown Houston.

"That will give us a chance to check our personal e-mail, since we can't check it at work," said Johnny Taylor, another person who works in downtown Houston. "We can take our laptops on our lunch break, so that will be good for us and good for the company."

The hotspots do not provide blanket coverage of downtown and city officials said it is a pilot program.

"This is a savings for the citizens," Houston Mayor Bill White said.

The city plans to create wireless access "bubbles" in 10 low-income areas around the city. One is currently active in the Gulfton area of southwest Houston.

The access should remain live for at least three to six months and will become permanent if officials determine it has been successful.

For a complete list of the areas where free Wi-Fi is available, visit the city of Houston's Web site.