Wireless Network Availability
Coming to Kirkwood!

Kirkwood, Missouri -- Thursday, February 21, 2008 – A contract of historic proportions will be considered by the Kirkwood City Council at tonight’s City Council meeting. For the first time in Kirkwood history, the availability of a wireless network will be one step closer to reality. For the past several months, Kirkwood Electric Director Mark Petty has been working with wireless provider Network1. In a unique opportunity, Kirkwood will be provided with free municipal wireless service in exchange for waiving some of the fees that the city normally charges a provider for access to its building rooftops or water towers.

            “This is indeed a very momentous occasion that is only affordable to a jurisdiction that owns its own municipal utility, which once again shows the true power of Kirkwood Electric to this community,” commented Petty. “City vehicles and facilities will be able to have wireless communications now. In addition, patrons at city-sponsored facilities like the Train Station and Recreation Station Aquatic Facility in Kirkwood Park will be able to enjoy wireless connections at no charge.” In some cases, city departments will now be able to discontinue paying leased line fees to other providers. “Clearly, the services offered by Network1 far outweigh the reduction in fees the city will charge for access to its rooftop and tower properties,” Petty explained. Petty added that no other firm had approached the city to offer a similar agreement.

            The arrangement offered by Network1 will literally blanket the City of Kirkwood with a Wi-Fi network that would provide wireless computer access to residents, businesses, and city government. The city expects Network1 to begin marketing their services to the community immediately. Installation of equipment should be complete within the coming months.

            “This is truly a win-win situation for Kirkwood and Network1,” stated Chief Administrative Officer Mike Brown. “Kirkwood Electric has always been one of our community’s greatest assets, and with this new arrangement, it further engrains this truth.”

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