PORT TOWNSEND — Wireless access to the Internet has expanded with the addition of an Intellicheck Mobilisa unit around the new Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center at Haines Place Park and Ride.
Chamber Executive Director Rod Davis on Tuesday pointed out the powerful box antenna installed last week on the west side of the visitor information center, saying, “Things have come so far, so fast.”
Davis said the system, the cost of which is yet to be worked out with Intellicheck Mobilisa, extends access to the Web by about 250 yards on the west side of the center and about 100 yards westward toward Sims Way.
“This is a connected society, and we really want to make Port Townsend the most connected city we possibly can,” Davis said.
Wireless access would attract younger visitors who routinely use mobile phones to download e-mail, text messages and the Internet, he said.
Davis, who has urged a wireless Port Townsend since he was hired last year, said the new visitor center will come with a computer for public wireless access.
Davis was involved in getting wireless service over Hermiston, Ore., where he last served as chamber director.
Larry Crockett, Port of Port Townsend executive director, said the port is working with Intellicheck Mobilisa of Port Townsend to create wireless access around Point Hudson Marina and RV Park.
If that works, the port also will consider creating wireless service at the Boat Haven Marina and the marine work yard.
“It would work for our moorage and RV guests at Point Hudson,” Crockett said. “We will try to get it there first because it’s now expected by our RVers.
“We hope to get it up and running before the boating season starts.”
He said it might require two antennae to cover the RV Park and marina.
Intellicheck Mobilisa Chief Executive Officer Nelson Ludlow said the company set up service to the chamber as a community service.
“We just want to help out the community,” Ludlow said.
“It’s not a money-maker. It’s to help out the community and economic growth.”
He said that while nothing has been settled, the company is in early discussions with Jefferson County, Port Townsend city and Washington State University Port Hadlock Extension officials about extending wireless capabilities around the county.
Founded in 2001, Mobilisa merged with Intellicheck last year.
Today, the company employs 60 in its main offices in Glen Cove Industrial Park south of Port Townsend and in satellite offices in New York State and Washington, D.C.
Davis said that he wants to develop a chamber log-on page to the wireless system that would have advertising and information about local businesses.
Davis said the message he hopes to convey to visitors is, “We’re connected, we’re safe and we’re convenient, meaning you don’t have to drive a car to get around in the city.”
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
