Citywide Wi-Fi access has been touted as a way of transforming an Oklahoma city into a thriving business hub.
Local officials in Muskogee are currently looking at ways of boosting the area’s economic development and believe the provision of free wireless internet could enhance its long-term prospects.
The city will gain its very own WI-Fi network over the next 12-24 months and Muskogee interim city manager Roy Tucker says this move will “most certainly” increase the quality of life around the city as well as the educational opportunities for its citizens.
Talking to muskogeephoenix.com, Mr Tucker said he also believes that Wi-Fi will present Muskogee as a place that appeals to investors.
“Our hope is that the public Wi-Fi initiative will distinguish us from other cities when it comes to attracting economic development, all the way from retail to industrial,” he added.
The campaign for wireless internet around Muskogee has also been aided by calls to improve public safety and boost government efficiency.
Although a provider is yet to be announced, Muskogee’s Wi-Fi network is expected to be modelled on the one active at the nearby Ponca City.
According to poncacityok.gov, the network is used by around 11,000 mobile users every single day, transferring around 39 Gigabytes of internet an hour.
