Carbondale gets wireless Internet grant

The Southern Illinoisan reports: Carbondale gets wireless Internet grant:

"The city of Carbondale has landed a $17,875 state grant to help establish a downtown wireless Internet network, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn announced Friday.

The city, in partnership with Carbondale Main Street, was awarded the grant through the state's Wireless Main Street program. . . .

'This free wireless network will enhance the experience of the tourists and students who come to downtown Carbondale,' Quinn said. 'Downtown Carbondale was already a hub for residents, students and visitors. Now it will be a virtual hub for web visitors and local businesses alike.'

Sites to be included in the wireless network include City Hall, Carbondale Public Library, town square, Friendship Plaza, Veterans Plaza and Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. The city's information systems division would operate and maintain the network.

Those with Wi-Fi compatible laptops or other devices would be able to access the Internet for up to two hours per day, according to the city's plan.

Mayor Brad Cole said the grant would allow the city to advance the project and 'move to the second phase much quicker,' which could include expansion to city parks. Cole said offering wireless Internet access would be a boon to the city's tourism and downtown businesses.

'We need to be on the forefront of this type of technology and be able to provide this service to the community,' Cole said Friday. 'I'm very excited about it.'

Cole said he hoped the grant would allow the online network to be 'up and running' by December."