Residents and businesses will soon access the internet without traditional dial-up phone lines thanks to a project unveiled at Ohio University Southern Campus Friday.

Saturday, September 16, 2000

Residents and businesses will soon access the internet without traditional dial-up phone lines thanks to a project unveiled at Ohio University Southern Campus Friday.

Dean Dr. Bill Dingus announced at a press conference that the combined efforts of OUSC, the Ironton School District, several public and private interests and wireless internet provider ConnectLink of Chespeake will bring wireless internet service to the region.

"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," Dingus said."This is a tremendous announcement for this area."

Wireless access uses radio antennas and will be seven times faster than a commercial T1-line and more than 100 times faster than phone modems.

OUSC will be active in the training process, offering residents and businesses the chance to learn how to use the new technology, Dingus said.

The university will even offer free training this fall for anyone interested in getting a head start on mastering the wireless internet, he added.

Dingus said the project came as a direct result of the technology meeting held recently at OUSC. The event was organized in part by U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland.

Strickland said recent setbacks in the area pushed him to seek technology for southern Ohio.

"When you are frustrated, you can either give up or look forward," Strickland said. "I am very proud of Ironton and the people, and I hope what we’re doing here will only be the beginning of many great things to come."

He said businesses will search for areas with the most advanced technology available.

"Communities that have this capacity will be able to grow and prosper," he said. "And, communities that do not have this will wither and die. These are wonderful steps, but more importantly they are concrete steps for Ironton."

Superintendent Steve Kingery said city schools will participate in the project.

"We have six different school buildings strategically located from the north end to the south end of Ironton," Kingery said. "We have agreed to allow ConnectLink to install radio towers on each of our buildings, which will literally throw a net over Ironton and allow folks to get a fast connection."

Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary said the new technology is the first step for future growth.

"This enables us to invite industry and business to our region," he said.

This partnership is indicative of our commitment. We know what we have to do and we must work together to make a difference."