TYLER HANKS, a contractor, works on fiber optic line on behalf of Q-Life, the intergovernmental organization that is working with the city, Google and Gorge Networks to provide free wi fi throughout The Dalles.
TYLER HANKS, a contractor, works on fiber optic line on behalf of Q-Life, the intergovernmental organization that is working with the city, Google and Gorge Networks to provide free wi fi throughout The Dalles.
The City of The Dalles is working with Google to improve performance of the free public wi-fi system and expand the service area.
Nolan Young, city manager, told the council Monday, Jan. 12, that Google was providing $97,910 for the project.
“This is going to help make the system operate better and be more usable,” he said.
Councilor Dan Spatz made the motion to authorize the contract with Gorge Networks to perform the work.
Councilor Tim McGlothlin seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. He was elected Jan. 12 as president to run meetings when Mayor Steve Lawrence is absent.
On the drawing table are expansions of the service area to include the Wahtonka High School athletic field, The Dalles Middle School athletic field and Fire House Park.
According to Young, these are the last three recreation spots that do not have public wi-fi. The total cost to bring service to these areas will be just under $40,000.
The remainder of the money will be used to meet Google standards for wi-fi by making the system more usable to improve customer service.
Gorge Networks has been working for the last four years in partnership with the city, Google and Q-Life, the intergovernmental organization that runs the fiber-optic loop in The Dalles, to get wi-fi coverage throughout town.The goal has been to make sure the Internet is available for outdoor use of phones, tablets and laptops carried by tourists and travelers, as well as local residents.
Toward that end, seven new wi-fi hotspots were installed last summer and coverage in downtown The Dalles was improved. The third expansion of service brought wi-fi to The Dalles Civic Auditorium, ball fields, Kelly Viewpoint and the west end of Sixth Street. Service has also been boosted along Brewery Grade to benefit The Dalles Marina and Riverfront Park.
Connections were also improved at Sorosis and other city parks, the commercial district east of Webber Street, the Discovery Center, Kramer Field, One Community Health and Columbia Basin Care Center.
Google has now invested nearly $364,000 to provide more than 80 access points for service.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.