The Dayton City Commission approved testing new wireless fidelity (WiFi) services in a limited test area over the next few months before deciding to pursue expansion of the technology citywide. The move makes Dayton the first city in Ohio to initiate citywide, edge-to-edge WiFi coverage. Dayton also becomes the first city nationally to offer a public-private partnership WiFi model that is not funded by taxpayers and comes at no charge to the end user.
Commissioners Joey Williams and Matt Joseph have been strong advocates for using technology to enhance services and quality of life issues for citizens. Both Commissioners were instrumental in bringing this effort to fruition.
"The opportunities available through WiFi technology are tremendous," Commissioner Williams said. "The easier we make it for residents and businesses to access the Internet and related electronic mediums, the more competitive we become. We also believe offering this type of exciting, pioneering service will go a long way toward helping Dayton attract that 'creative class' of people who will help fuel our community's future success."
"In addition to offering Internet access for free to residents and visitors, I am excited about the economic development opportunities this new venture presents," Commissioner Joseph said. "This type of technological asset will help attract businesses and workers interested in the open environment Dayton will offer. This has long-term implications for Dayton's continued growth as a center for technology and innovation."
The Dayton City Commission approved a test agreement with HarborLink Network to test and prove a WiFi meshed architecture within an approximately one square-mile area of downtown. The WiFi infrastructure will be located within the city's public rights of way and on specific city-owned facilities. The initial test agreement with HarborLink will allow Dayton to make determinations about expanding WiFi services throughout the community. If the city decides to expand citywide, it is anticipated that "Requests for Proposals" (RFP) will be solicited from interested vendors by the middle of 2005.
"Dayton remains at the cutting edge of using technology to enhance the lives of our residents and businesses," Mayor Rhine McLin said. "John Patterson, the Wright Brothers and Charles Kettering would be proud of the innovative step we are taking to put technology at people's fingertips. Dayton is working to break down the barriers of the digital divide, without burdening taxpayers in the process. I want to especially recognize Commissioners Joey Williams and Matt Joseph for their leadership role in making this project possible."