Springfield gets connected with free WiFi
Springfield, OH -Springfielders now can check their e-mail, get directions or sell their stuff on the City Hall Plaza, all with no wires attached.
The free, advertising-driven WiFi network downtown is now working.
Wireless Internet access is a way to offer service to everyone, said Nancy Bridgman, development director for Neighborhood Housing Partnership.
"It levels the playing field so everyone in our community has access," she said.
The Partners in Wireless will host a "wire-cutting" ceremony at noon Thursday in front of the Courtyard by Marriott.
WiFi is available outdoors on the City Hall Plaza and up Fountain Avenue to the Wittenberg University campus, which will be hooked into the network in a few weeks.
The partnership's goal is to expand the network down to Clark State Community College's Leffel Lane campus, the city schools and the downtown hospital over the next few years.
Some buildings near the street might be able to access it, but the network isn't intended to replace traditional Internet service providers.
The partnership includes the city, NHP, HarborLink Networks, AVETeC, Clark State Community College, Wittenberg University, CFA Networks, Center City Association, Springfield City Schools, Turner Foundation and Community Mercy Health Partners.
Wireless can attract businesses and residents, said Tom Franzen, the city's economic development administrator.
"Ultimately wireless really is an amenity that communities need to have to be competitive," he said.
The access isn't just used by people on laptops, but portable devices of all kinds — phones, organizers, video game consoles.
"It's starting to become pretty pervasive," Franzen said.
HarborLink Networks set up the WiFi access in Springfield and has done similar projects in Dayton, Worthington, Vandalia and other cities.
Usage has been better than expected, said Travis Tangeman, HarborLink chief technology officer.
"Every one of our networks is growing," he said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0363 or ssommer@coxohio.com
