The pilot network will encompass a portion of the Ellet and East Akron neighborhoods, including the city of Akron Communications Division, Traffic Engineering and Public Works locations near the Akron Municipal Airport. There are discussions to also include a downtown area within the pilot. The network will eventually grow to cover all 62 square miles of the city in future phases. Wireless Internet access will be available in these areas on a fixed and mobile basis to residents, businesses, students and visitors.
The multi-spectrum (Wi-Fi, WiMAX), multi-radio mesh network will enable a range of free and fee-based services and provide secure high-speed access to data, voice and video throughout the coverage area. Subscription services will be offered on an annual, monthly, daily and hourly basis and will allow access to multiple Internet service providers (ISP).
"To be progressive and keep up with the demands of technology, we need to 'unwire' the city. This pilot program with NeoReach Wireless positions us fairly early on for doing this citywide," said Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic.
Subscribers will be able to access the wireless network from anywhere in the coverage area at any time. All Wi-Fi-enabled devices will have free access to the network landing page. Users will automatically be directed to the network landing page, which will contain information about the service and instructions on how to connect. Visitors will be able to navigate the city of Akron websites and certain other selected websites at any time, without limitation or cost.
Rick Leu, chief technology officer for the city of Akron, said, "The city of Akron's wireless initiative will help bring us into the forefront when it comes to technological advantage and creativeness. It should also help in slowing the exit tide of young technicians moving away and keep them right here in Akron. It is definitely an exciting time for the city of Akron."
