Lackawanna County recently launched the Wireless Information Technology Infrastructure Initiative, bringing wireless internet access to county parks, business incubators, a local school district and the Country's 911 Emergency Services Center.
The focus of the initiative is to deliver reliable and secure internet access to several county properties. The $2.7 million dollar project comes at no additional cost as the funds come from the County's existing telecommunications budget.
The initiative provides high speed data services to The Scranton Enterprise Center in Downtown Scranton and The TekRidge Center in Jessup- the two of the three business incubators located in Lackawanna County. While there are already several benefits to locating in these business incubators, the Wireless Information Technology Infrastructure Initiative adds the added benefit of discounted internet services without start up costs.
County Commissioners have recognized how beneficial the project will be to Lackawanna County.“ marks the beginning of the future of advanced technology in Lackawanna County,” said Commissioner Corey D. O'Brien. “Over three years ago, we had a vision of creating a network that would not only improve the infrastructure of Lackawanna County, but also create a network that could benefit the entire community. Our project speaks to that vision directly with the creation of a county wide carrier-grade, multi-service, wireless network that we expect will grow and benefit our entire region.”
Commissioner Jim Wansacz also noted the benefits of the new initiative. “The project will improve our network infrastructure, increase network sustainability and increase network stability This project will also enable us to reach-out to the community to share the network to help local businesses, schools, the medical community and the taxpayers of Lackawanna County save money, create jobs and live safer.”
“This is a great project because we are involving multiple partners and will be serving a number of businesses in the private sector,” noted Commissioner Patrick M. O'Malley.
In addition, the Wireless Information Technology Infrastructure Initiative provides wireless internet access to several parks in Lackawanna County. Park visitors can access free Wi-Fi anywhere in the four county-owned parks- McDade Park, Merli-Sarnoski Park, Aylesworth Park and Covington Park as well as Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton, Kids' Corner Play area in Jessup, The Lakeland School District, Dunmore's McHale Park and Community Center and Moffat Estate in Covington Township.
The Wireless Initiative also will help improve the county's public safety and emergency response telecommunications. Dave Hahn, Lackawanna County's director of Emergency Services explained he plans to capitalize on The Wireless Information Technology Infrastructure Initiative to enhance emergency services. The previous system experienced radio service that was spotty or nonexistent in some areas of Lackawanna County. “We added additional equipment such as transmitters and receivers to these locations, providing a better communications signal through the broadband network to the emergency responders,” he said.
Mike Averto, founder of Otreva, a web app design and development company based out of The TekRidge Center, said the service was offered at a fraction of the cost of competitors and also came with no installation fees, making it extremely cost effective for his company. “I think businesses that need high-speed, reliable internet in locations where a connection is not already installed will find that the County's wireless offers quick set-up at a fraction of the cost of traditional carriers,” he said.
As public Wi-Fi hotspots are added the can be tracked via interactive map at LackawannaCounty.org/wireless. Any municipal government or sponsoring organization that wishes to add a hotspot can also find information on the website.
