Free wireless Internet available in Downtown Tempe

January 08 , 2005 by EditorArizona State University in partnership with the City of Tempe is providing the public with free wireless Internet access for mobile computer users in downtown Tempe, the first city in Arizona to provide this service.

Downtown Tempe free wireless Internet is made possible through the cooperative efforts of the City of Tempe and ASU Information Technology Departments. This collaboration would not have been possible without the strong partnership between ASU and the City of Tempe. Tempe City Council, Mayor Hugh Hallman and ASU President, Dr. Michael Crow will dedicate the wireless network at a ceremony on Jan. 11.

WHAT: City of Tempe and Arizona State University will dedicate the free wireless Internet service WHEN: 8 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005 WHERE: Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue (follow Rio Salado Parkway, west of Mill Avenue, it winds around to the parking lot)

"Wireless access downtown is another exciting example that Tempe really is the Smart Place to Be," Hallman said. "This will further invigorate our downtown as we attract more full-time residents and highly skilled employees."

Outdoor wireless Internet access was made available for mobile computer users in many locations along Mill Avenue and adjoining side streets. This access will allow laptop users to connect to the Internet for web browsing at many popular outdoor venues and dining establishments in the downtown area, including Tempe Beach Park

"Tempe has all the ingredients to make it our nation's premier college town," said Milton Glick, Executive Vice President and Provost, Arizona State University. "Joining together to create a wireless downtown is one more element of creating a seamless interface between downtown and ASU and reinforcing Tempe and ASU as a destination point for the creative class."

Mobile computer users wanting to connect to the network will need a laptop computer with an 802.11B wireless card.

Free wireless in the Downtown is just the first phase of the vision for wireless Internet access in Tempe. The City of Tempe will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) in January 2005 soliciting a Service Provider to offer wireless Internet service throughout all of Tempe. The RFP will call for a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) to design and implement a city-wide "for fee" network. A copy of the RFP will be available for download at <http://www.tempe.gov/purchase/bids/> http://www.Tempe.Gov/purchase/bids/ .

Information about the public wireless service in downtown Tempe, including a full description of the services offered, instructions for use and maps showing coverage areas is available at <http://www.tempe.gov/downtownwireless> www.tempe.gov/downtownwireless or at <http://www.asu.edu/tempewireless> www.asu.edu/tempewireless.