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Iserv finds success in Rosa Parks free wifi service, seeks to expand

After the success of working with the City to provide free wireless internet in Rosa Parks Circle, Iserv is investigating more high-traffic hotspot locations like the Blue Bridge.
Rosa Parks Circle, a high traffic gathering area in downtown Grand Rapids

Rosa Parks Circle, a high traffic gathering area in downtown Grand Rapids /Steven Depolo

Underwriting support from:

Want to create a hotspot for your community?

Individuals or businesses can submit requests to Tracy Pryce or call her at 616-493-3744.

"Similar to most wifi connections, installation potential always depends on the location. Other considerations include access to the internet infrastructure, available locations for the access points and the AC power to run the equipment," says Pryce. "Iserv only asks that the property owner provide access, space for our equipment and a power outlet to plug it in."
 

The City of Grand Rapids worked with Iserv to turn Rosa Parks Circle into a "hotspot" for free wireless internet earlier this summer. Tracy Pryce, Director of Customer Relations for Iserv, says the company is pleased with the initial response, and looks forward to growing the availability of hotspots throughout high-traffic areas in the city.

"There have been thousands of unique users and many of them are now regulars. Traffic has exceeded our expectations and number of users continues to increase as more people learn that it is available," says Pryce. "We understand that people want to stay connected from anywhere, at any time, from any device, so Iserv has donated these services to the community."

Pryce says Iserv is having conversations about also installing wifi around the Blue Bridge and is surveying several other high-foot-traffic locations. Though final decisions have not been made, they continue to accept requests for creating hotspots.

"We have been contacted by several different organizations about future locations – most have been located in the City of Grand Rapids. There are many factors Iserv has to consider before installation so we are exploring these opportunities and working through the possibility of implementing wifi in various locations across the city," says Pryce.

 

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