Stony Plain offers free wireless internet
The Town of Stony Plain is installing wireless hotspots in several locations throughout the community.
“The Town of Stony Plain embraces modern technologies that lay the groundwork for new and more flexible ways to meet the needs of the community,” says Ken Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain. “We are very pleased to supply this service to our residents, businesses and visitors. By taking this step, we demonstrate our commitment to making Stony Plain a cutting-edge, convenient place to work, live and relax. These hotspots will provide a valuable service to our community.”
The new hotspots will be available at four locations:
- Shikaoi Park
- Stony Plain Golf Course
- Glenn Hall Arena / Stony Plain Outdoor Public Pool (seasonal connection)
- Rotary Park (seasonal connection)
Display signs advertising the service will be posted at each location.
Access to the Internet within these locations will be free for anyone with Internet-enabled devices. Users will be able to handle e-mail correspondence, get the latest weather, stock and sports updates, conduct business and search the news.
In 2009, administration – as directed by council – researched the feasibility of installing wireless hotspots at four strategic locations in town. Multiple wireless service providers were evaluated, each assessed for connectivity speed, security, cost, customer support and ease-of-use. The project was awarded to Telus.
Council approved administration’s recommendations based on the findings, and dollars were allotted for the project in the 2010/2011 municipal budget.
The project was awarded to Telus, which will supply a Sierra Wireless 598U air card and Cradlepoint – MBR 1000 wireless router at each location. The aircard ensures high standards of security and connectivity, and filters will restrict access to inappropriate sites. This technology will provide extended coverage range capabilities – from 200-250 feet to a maximum of 750-feet – at each location. A maximum 64 users will be able to connect to each device at one time.
The initial cost to install all four wireless hotspots is $3,000. Telus will also assess a monthly fee of $75 per month per location (approximately $3,600 annually).
Wireless access will be available as follows:
- Shikaoi Park: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Stony Plain Golf Course: one hour prior to morning tee-offs to two hours after close
- Stony Plain Outdoor Public Pool: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily (seasonal only)
- Rotary Park: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily (closed in winter)
The first new wireless hotspot will be installed by June 1 at the Stony Plain Outdoor Pool. Connections at the remaining locations will be up-and-running by mid-June.
[Source: Town of Stony Plain]
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