VISTA -- City and business leaders gathered Monday at a public forum to explore an idea that would take networking in Vista up a notch: the possibility of installing a citywide high-speed, wireless Internet system.

The forum, the first of three scheduled on the topic, was held at the Vista Chamber of Commerce building on Washington Street and allowed participants to learn more about the wireless system and to explore its applications.

Kevin Ham, economic development director for Vista, said plans are in the "very early stages."

"It's really the information-gathering stage," he said. "We're trying to see what technology is out there."

Ham said this type of technology, which can be more efficient and less expensive than other types of networking systems, has applications for public safety, the government, businesses and members of the community.

"This could provide a great economic incentive and draw to the city," he said.

The forum featured a presentation by Ron Gill, director of North American Channels for Tropos Networks, billed by organizers as one of the nation's leading providers of community high-speed, wireless Internet systems.

Major California cities installing the wireless technology include Anaheim and San Francisco, Gill said.

Specifically, the high-speed, wireless Internet system would ensure "interoperability," which allows software and hardware on different machines from different vendors to share information.

Among the topics discussed at Monday's forum were how to pay for a citywide Internet system and ways to stay current with advancements in technology.

Jim Baumann, president and CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, said the meeting is "the start of the conversation."

"Just think of all the uses you can get out of it," he said. "It seems like it is a convergence of technology and need."

"The interest and the deployment of these types of systems are going off the charts," Baumann said. "In most places, the city is in the driver's seat."

David Nilson, chairman of the chamber's technology committee, said he wants to explore the issue further.

"I am excited about the possibilities for our community," he said. "I am just trying to find out what the limitations are."

Karen Clay, executive director of the Vista Village Business Association, said the technology would be a wonderful service to offer customers.

"Anything you can do to help your customers be accessible is great," she said.

The forums are open to the public and anyone is welcome.

The next forum will be held at 3 p.m. on Aug. 21, and will focus on exploring the implications for residents, businesses and government services.

The third forum, which will take place on Sept. 25, will focus on the experiences of a community that has already installed the citywide, high-speed Internet system.