Plans for wireless Internet service in southern Ohio will be unveiled Friday at an Ohio University Southern Campus press conference.

Thursday, September 14, 2000

Plans for wireless Internet service in southern Ohio will be unveiled Friday at an Ohio University Southern Campus press conference.

The announcement resulted from the collaboration of private and public entities, including OUSC, Ironton City Schools and ConnectLink Inc., officials said in a press release today.

The Ironton area will benefit as one of the first rural communities to have complete, active wireless access to the Internet for commercial, educational and residential applications, OUSC dean Dr. Bill Dingus said.

"We will be offering three stages of training for those wishing to take advantage of this progressive opportunity," Dr. Dingus said.

Phil Henson, president and CEO of ConnectLink, said the collaboration will help close the area’s digital divide.

"This collaboration will provide the public, education and businesses the most sophisticated and advanced means available for accessing the Internet," Henson said. "This time, our region will be ahead of the game."

According to the collaborators, wireless access is faster than cable, seven times faster than T-lines and over 100 times faster than phone modems.

Wireless Internet plans are also a direct result of the communication and discovery emerging from the technology meeting held recently at OUSC that was prompted by U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, officials said.