PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles City Council has given an enthusiastic thumbs up to a wireless project that will turn the city into one large Internet hot spot.
The council, in several 6-0 votes, adopted three agreements tonight that allow the $3.7 million citywide wireless project, funded with the help of a $2.6 million federal grant, to get under way.
It’s expected to be complete by mid-2013, though residents and visitors can expect to begin tapping it by September, said Craig Johnson, vice president of Capacity Provisioning Inc., which will install and maintain the network.
Several council members commented on its potential to improve law enforcement communication and the local economy.
“We are going to be a community that’s well ahead of the curve,” said City Council Member Pat Downie.
The agreements award a $2.5 million installation contract to CPI of Port Angeles; a $28,383 annual network management contract, which also includes maintenance estimated at $4,560 a year to CPI; and a non-exclusive retail agreement with OlyPen to provide Internet service to customers.
OlyPen plans to charge between $17.95 and $37.95 per month for access, depending on speed, which will range from 1.5 to 6 megabits per second.
One-hour free access will be offered every day. Access will also be free for 24 hours 12 days a year. Those days are yet to be determined.
Additionally, the council adopted a $164,500 contract amendment with Columbia Telecommunications Corporation, the city’s consultant on the project, to oversee and monitor construction of the network.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
