Annapolis Wireless Launches Free Public WiFi in Annapolis
Annapolis to become first Maryland city offering free Internet access for everyone, using Nortel wireless mesh solution
APRIL 24, 2006
The wire cutting ceremony is hosted by the Anne Arundel Tech Council,** a non-profit membership organization for technology companies in the Anne Arundel County area. Nortel, which is working with Annapolis Wireless, is an event sponsor and wireless mesh technology provider for the system. SECU Credit Union,** Maryland's largest credit union, is also an event sponsor. Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Mayor Ellen Moyer and county officials will be on hand to celebrate the WiFi launch.
The creation of a city-wide WiFi system marks Annapolis' entrée into a technologically sophisticated group of cities. Cities such as Philadelphia, Houston and New Orleans also provide free WiFi access. But Annapolis' WiFi carries a distinct difference - many other cities provide the access using taxpayer funds. Annapolis Wireless, by offering sponsorships and advertising to area businesses on its splash page, is able to provide WiFi access to the public without using taxpayer dollars.
"Our partnerships with Nortel and area businesses have made the launch of this city-wide system possible," said Phil McQuade, president of Annapolis Wireless. "We had advertisers and sponsors before we even launched the WiFi service city-wide, proving that businesses clearly see the value in reaching a targeted audience. It's because of the public-private partnerships that have been happening that we're able to provide this free service to the residents and businesses of Annapolis. We commend the City of Annapolis, area business leaders and our partners for recognizing the importance and viability of a public hotspot in Annapolis"
"Companies like Annapolis Wireless and Nortel are making cutting-edge technology possible through their teamwork and sponsorship," said Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. "Providing free WiFi service to Annapolis is an important step in furthering our goal of making Maryland an attractive destination to live, work and visit. This private sponsorship creates a community environment for Maryland citizens, tourists, and the technology sector where everyone wins."
Anyone with a wireless network card can access the WiFi service in Annapolis. Users simply launch their web browser, which points to www.annapoliswireless.com.** The first time, users create a profile, user ID and password. They can then browse the Internet using the WiFi service.
Initially, coverage will be available throughout Annapolis, from the City Dock to West Street and Eastport. Expansion of the signal beyond downtown is planned throughout the summer.
"This marks an important step in enhancing the local technology and business communities," said Laura Willoughby, Executive Director of the Anne Arundel Tech Council. "Communities are enriched and prosper when everyone has access to the resources available on the Internet. This is an important step in continuing to bridge the 'digital divide' still existing in our community, and to continue providing the fundamental building blocks of economic development."
The announcement comes just after Jupiter Research released its latest report on WiFi adaptation across the country. The March 23 report, "Public Wi-Fi: Capturing Paying Customers in an Increasingly Competitive Space," showed that:
58% of online public WiFi users use hotspots only when they are free;
adoption of public WiFi by the online population grew from 14% to 20% or 43% between 2004 and 2005;
WiFi service providers need to focus on capturing mobile professionals and home wireless network owners.
This WiFi hotspot was created for local businesses, citizens and boaters, who live, work and play in Annapolis, as well as the 5.6 million tourists who visit the area each year. Annapolis is quickly becoming an international destination, with national conferences and events held in the historic city each year. The Anne Arundel Tech Council wire cutting ceremony coincides with the arrival of the Volvo Around the World sailboat race.
About the Anne Arundel Tech Council
Founded in 1992, the Anne Arundel Tech Council is dedicated to supporting the county's growing technology industry with events, symposiums, educational seminars and quarterly Capstone events all designed to foster an exchange of ideas from the county's vibrant tech industry. The Tech Council is supported by a grant from the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, which allows members access to the EDC's resources and business leaders. More than 160 businesses from the Annapolis/Baltimore/Washington D.C. area are members of the council, including many of the area's well-known leading technology companies.
About Annapolis Wireless
Pioneers in high-speed, wireless broadband Internet connectivity, Annapolis Wireless Internet (AWI) specializes in the delivery of the most advanced and secures WiFi network solutions for high-speed data and voice applications. The AWI Team is comprised of a group of communication and wireless technology engineers with years of experience in integrating technology solutions that increase information sharing efficiencies and effectiveness for a wide range of private and public organizations. Annapolis Wireless provides free WiFi access to downtown Annapolis, supporting the community and visitors alike.
About Nortel
Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world's most critical information. Our next-generation technologies, for both service providers and enterprises, span access and core networks, support multimedia and business-critical applications, and help eliminate today's barriers to efficiency, speed and performance by simplifying networks and connecting people with information. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news.
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