The Vance County Commissioners approved an agreement Monday with an Internet broadband provider that will bring free Wi-Fi to parts of downtown Henderson and to the town of Kittrell.
County Manager Jordan D. McMillen said the Wi-Fi Zone agreement is a joint effort between the city and the county and begins a five-year commitment with Open Broadband, LLC.
“Now that the agreement has been signed it will take a few weeks or months for them to order the equipment and determine the areas downtown for equipment to be located,” McMillen said in a written statement to WIZS. Next steps include identifying downtown business owners to partner with Open Broadband to place antennas.
The plan is it to have Wi-Fi available in the general area between Orange Street and Rose Avenue along Garnett Street, as well as along the side streets which extend to Chestnut Street, McMillen added. “We are excited about this initiative and (are) glad to partner with the City to make it happen,” he said. The free public Wi-Fi for Kittrell will be available within the town limits.
Open Broadband, LLC is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that seeks to bring broadband internet service to underserved markets and rural areas, according to information provided on its website. It provides service in about 20 North Carolina counties.