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HarborLink Network News & Events
August 2, 2006
from the August 2, 2006 edition of Worthington News 'Incredible' number of people using city's wireless Internet By Brittiny Dunlap City officials expected Worthington residents to utilize the wireless network in the Downtown corridor -- but usage figures released for 2006 are better than they could have imagined. "The numbers are incredible," said Paul Feldman, assistant city manager and economic development director. "We're really excited." In September, the city of Worthington unveiled its wireless network between North and South streets, which was provided through an agreement with Dayton firm HarborLink to provide free, wireless Internet service. Based on information released by HarborLink, it appears users are getting on the network for limited uses such as checking their e-mail or the weather. "They aren't staying on very long," Feldman said. "The uses are relatively quick and simple." "It's people on the go and doing light traffic stuff," said Travis Tangeman of HarborLink. April usage numbers dropped significantly, Feldman said. After an investigation, city staff realized one of the antennae had been damaged. "There was a lightning strike on one of the mast arms that affected the traffic signal," Feldman said. "We didn't even think about the antennae. It was fried." HarborLink, as part of the contract, replaced the antennae and fulfilled the original contract by bringing the last antennae promised to the city, which extended the network to North Street. The distributor sending antennae to the city had to halt shipment last fall in order to send some to the Gulf Coast to aid in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Access is available to anyone outdoors in the High Street corridor between North and South streets. To provide the signal, antennae are located on top of the mast arms that support Downtown traffic signals. They look like small boxes with two extending antennae. "We were really worried about how these might look in the Downtown historic district," Feldman said. " ... But no one has noticed. It's been very positive." While the city does not have to pay for the cost of the system, pop-up ads will infiltrate a user's screen every 12 minutes. Currently, the screen has information relating to the weather and how to access library services. As the project develops, users can expect to see advertisements from area businesses, news and possibly music downloading services. Worthington was the first subdivision in Central Ohio to provide free wireless service to residents. Now city staff is considering where to go from here. "Now we have to ask ourselves, 'Where do we take this as we go forward?' " Feldman said. City staff has toyed with the idea of providing wireless Internet service to the entire city, but the project is complicated and would take several years to get off the ground, he said. "A system like that is the next two to three steps down the road," he said. For now, the city is pleased with the service it is providing to residents. "It's a great system to get up and get reaction from people," Feldman said, "and people seem pleased. "We're looking forward to where we might take this and what we can do with this." In September, the contract for HarborLink will be up for review. "I see no reason why we would want to terminate this service," Feldman said. "The only reason we put a one-year review on the contract was this was kind of new stuff. We didn't see a downside, but maybe there was something we didn't know about." Based on the contract, the city is expected to provide only the wires to connect the antennae and the power for them to function. HarborLink is responsible for maintaining the system and providing the antennae. "That's why for us it was a no-brainer," Feldman said. "We didn't have much risk in this." To access the system, residents need a wireless-enabled laptop computer or handheld computer. Once within the boundaries and an Internet browser is opened, a welcome screen will prompt users with directions to connect to the service. The signal will not be strong enough to penetrate through buildings and may be blocked by large trees. Those who try to access the system and experience technical difficulties are advised to call 800-451-0738. |
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