Austin's Wi-Fi network grows as kinks get worked out

By Mike Rose | Austin Daily Herald

Published Wednesday, February 10, 2010

By MIKE ROSE

mike.rose@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Wi-Fi network is continuing to grow as wrinkles are ironed out.

Craig Jones, manager of the Southern Minnesota Internet Group, which is in charge of the project along with Austin Utilities, said Tuesday that 586 customers are now signed up for the wireless Internet, and many of them are happy with their service.

However, Jones said some people are still experiencing connectivity problems, an issue SMIG looks to address by adding more nodes to the system and upgrading servers.

As the system continues to improve, the manager said he hopes to have 2,000 out of a possible 10,000 or so households in Austin registered.

“We think we’re getting close to being ready” for the new customers, Jones said.

For now, Jones said less-aggressive marketing and a slower growth is best as the system is tweaked.

The $1.2 million project, which combines SMIG’s network technology with Austin Utilities’ equipment and access, took about three years to get up and running, Austin Utilities spokeswoman Kim Duncomb said. This included a roughly one-year delay because of equipment problems.

Once the system began to run, there were further problems with access and reliability. However, Jones said many of those issues have been resolved, and the whole city is now covered. Outlying areas that currently have spotty service at best may get better coverage as the project expands, Jones added.

This expansion could include places such as Rose Creek and Adams, Austin Utilities General Manager Jerry McCarthy said.

Currently, the service is available to Austin residents through ausmwifi.com. Prices range from $19.99 to $34.99, depending on speed and desired options.

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