WHEELING - The Wheeling City-County Building will be the first hot spot for a new, secure Wi-Fi network to be constructed with a $75,000 grant from Verizon West Virginia.
At a news conference this morning, city officials and representatives from Verizon shared their hope that the wireless broadband network will serve both government employees and members of the public.
"One of the things I thought when elected mayor of the city of Wheeling was how can we move forward without (modern) technology?" Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie said. He added that he hopes the network will go beyond government buildings and may include the Centre Market, the Heritage Port and other downtown areas.
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Speaking during a news conference held at the City-County Building in Wheeling this morning, John Ruddick, vice president of public affairs, policy and communications for Verizon West Virginia, announces the company’s $75,000 grant to the city of Wheeling to expand wireless broadband access at the City-County Building and other city venues. Attending the news conference are from left, Sam Cipoletti, director of government relations with Verizon; Mayor Andy McKenzie, Ruddick and Councilman James Tiu.
"We've been working on this for the past several months," said Wheeling City Manager Bob Herron. "It's an exciting day for technology."
John Ruddick, vice president for public affairs, policy and communications for Verizon West Virginia, commended McKenzie for working to make Wheeling a "new economy environment."
"He's the one who came to us with the idea," Ruddick said.
McKenzie said that Verizon is one of Wheeling's biggest employers and will continue to be a leader in bringing jobs and technology to the city.