La Plata's plans for free wireless Internet move forward

La Plata and Charles County Public Library officials are expected to sign an agreement soon to put on the fast track plans to make free wireless Internet service available in many locations.

The La Plata Town Council signed a resolution Feb. 23 that authorizes Town Manager Daniel Mears to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the La Plata library to begin the necessary work to provide wireless Internet service at as-yet unselected locations in town. The wireless Internet accessibility will make it easy for businesses, residents and tourists to gain access to information about the town and library services, Mayor Roy G. Hale said.

"This is going to be a plus for the town and the library," he said, adding that business owners and residents have indicated a strong interest in having such a service in La Plata on recent surveys conducted by the town. "It's going to be a positive addition to the downtown area."

The memorandum of understanding spells out how the project will proceed, Mears said. The estimated cost to purchase the necessary equipment, which will be installed at the library on Garrett Avenue, is $25,000. The town has allocated the money to pay for the project, he said. The equipment includes several remote radio transmitters that will be affixed to electric poles and other places in the coverage area, he said.

The library will maintain and operate the equipment, said Emily Ferren, director of the county libraries. Users will be able to access the service at no cost, she said.

The system will offer weather alerts, information about upcoming town meetings and library events, Ferren said, adding that the service initially will be concentrated in the downtown area, including Charles Street.

"Once we get started we'll know exactly where it's going to be," she said. "We've done some tests but until we activate the system we won't know exactly."

Wireless Internet service provides a wider bandwidth that allows information to be viewed and downloaded more quickly, said Fred Lively, an information technology consultant who is working with the library to launch the project.

The service will provide Internet access to people who do not have such service at their homes, said Aaron Krebeck, the library's information technology manager.

Mears said that the town hopes to finish the project this year.

"We're looking forward to the opportunity to work with the library on this project. It's going to be a good thing for the town and the library," said Town Councilman Joe Norris (Ward 4). "I hope that we can continue to broaden the service to more areas in town."

"This is going to be a great addition to our town," said Councilwoman Paddy Mudd (Ward 3). "Young people especially are very into this."