WiFi- Is it in the town's future?
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Hotspots, meshed networks and wireless access points are terms the Town of Amherst may be hearing more in the upcoming months.

Stuart Shapiro, of the town's Information Technology Committee, spoke on behalf of the group during Monday's Town Board work session in regard to wireless fidelity and bringing the town into the 21st century in regard to Internet accessibility. Shapiro is a professor for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo.

Shapiro said 100 residents responded to a poll on the town's Web site asking how they use the Internet and were asked questions related to WiFicapabilities, desires and future use.

The survey results were:

+ More than 90 percent respondents already have WiFicapabilities.

+ More than 93 percent have an existing broadband connection to the Internet.

+ Approximately 75 percent have a wireless network at work or home.

This information was collected following a resolution from Council Member Dan Ward to upgrade the town's technology.

"We hear about other communities around the United States coming online," he said. "We have to understand the technology of the future to be one of the leaders, not a follower."

Ward added that Amherst is considered a wealthy, leading community in Western New York and needs to move forward with a WiFisystem. He also emphasized the need to grow as a "university community."

There are several options the town can consider - installing hotspots that provide Internet connection in a small radius; mesh networks that provide to a larger space and overall municipality access.

Currently, coffee shops, restaurants, airports, shopping malls and hotels provide a WiFiservice.

Providing WiFion a larger scale is taking place throughout the entire state of Rhode Island and cities such as Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Cost is one of the biggest issues to consider, with privacy also near the top of the list. The town can apply for funding, sell advertisements or have a user fee. It can also be bonded as was the case in St. Cloud, Fla.

The presentation on Monday did not include prices for Amherst. However, St. Cloud, with a population of 28,000, bonded $2 million to provide the WiFiservice.

The Town Board seemed to be in agreement that more information was needed to move forward. Council Member Shelly Schratz suggested opening the survey to more people, especially high school and college students, to understand what people who use WiFiare looking for.

Ward said he wanted to move forward with a request for proposal to see what service the town could get at what cost. He was concerned by the board's lack of knowledge on the subject and enthusiasm to move forward.

Amherst Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Colleen DiPirro recommended the town meet with Verizon about its options.

Shapiro said the committee would be looking for a "go, no go" answer from the Town Board on whether it was interested in moving forward.

"If (the board) was interested we would need to do a better survey," he said, adding that would include formal details on the cost and service options.