Iowa City, Cedar Rapids corridor becomes wireless
Posted: Thursday, March 30, 2006
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) -- The Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor has gone wireless.
The free wireless Internet network serves outdoor public areas in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Coralville. It is accessible to anyone whose laptop has a wireless card.
"It's going to be nice to sit outside during your lunch break and check your e-mail, surf the Web," said Scott Fiddelke, 26, of Iowa City and a member of The James Gang, a nonprofit group and one of nine sponsors of the project.
A "wire-cutting" ceremony was held Tuesday at S.T. Morrison Park in Coralville.
Paul Burns, an Iowa City lawyer, suggested the project after a similar project was done in Austin, Texas.
Organizers had hoped to have the network ready last August, but parts were delayed as the project grew and other technology challenges surfaced. Volunteers also had to get permission to install equipment on top of buildings and make sure donated equipment was compatible.
Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett said he was impressed with the young people who initiated the project and did the work.
Andy Stoll, 26, of Iowa City and a member of The James Gang, said the project successfully brought together profit and nonprofit groups and local governments.
"And it demonstrates the openness of the Corridor to all young people who get involved," Stoll said.
The free wireless Internet network serves outdoor public areas in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Coralville. It is accessible to anyone whose laptop has a wireless card.
"It's going to be nice to sit outside during your lunch break and check your e-mail, surf the Web," said Scott Fiddelke, 26, of Iowa City and a member of The James Gang, a nonprofit group and one of nine sponsors of the project.
A "wire-cutting" ceremony was held Tuesday at S.T. Morrison Park in Coralville.
Paul Burns, an Iowa City lawyer, suggested the project after a similar project was done in Austin, Texas.
Organizers had hoped to have the network ready last August, but parts were delayed as the project grew and other technology challenges surfaced. Volunteers also had to get permission to install equipment on top of buildings and make sure donated equipment was compatible.
Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett said he was impressed with the young people who initiated the project and did the work.
Andy Stoll, 26, of Iowa City and a member of The James Gang, said the project successfully brought together profit and nonprofit groups and local governments.
"And it demonstrates the openness of the Corridor to all young people who get involved," Stoll said.
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
