Annapolis to go wireless

Local company Annapolis Wireless will hold the official wire cutting to mark the launch of the new service April 29, while the event will be hosted by the Anne Arundel Tech Council.

Nortel, which worked with Annapolis Wireless, and SECU Credit Union are co-sponsors of the event, and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Mayor Ellen Moyer are among others who will be attending the launch.

The city will use sponsorships and advertising from area businesses on its splash page to pay for the free network instead of using taxpayer money.

"Our partnerships with Nortel and area businesses have made the launch of this city-wide system possible," said Annapolis Wireless President Phil McQuade. "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."

Internet users have access to the free service, if they have a wireless network card, by turning their Web browser to annapoliswireless.com to create a profile, user ID and password.

Current coverage extends from City Dock to West Street and Eastport while expansion of the signals beyond downtown is planned for summer 2006.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International