Challenge
Downtown Montrose suffered from a lack of wifi connectivity, hindering the town’s ability to accommodate a growing tourism trade and a thriving business community. With little financing at its disposal, Montrose reached out to FastTrack Communications.
Solution
A public/private partnership between the City of Montrose, the Montrose Downtown Development Authority and FastTrack Communications resulted in the creation of a new wireless network that provides free Internet access to locals and visitors. Through FastTrack‘s existing fiber connection, FastTrack donated the Internet bandwidth, while the city erected a series of network antennas.As part of this effort, FastTrack provides a direct fiber connection to the Montrose City Hall at substantial savings.Now it is possible to visit downtown businesses, stroll on Main Street and sit outside while maintaining a high-speed Internet connection through a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. The system helps visitors maintain first-rate Internet access and a direct connection to Montrose information, attractions and social media during downtown events. Local businesspeople can stay connected to the Internet and productive while out of the office attending meetings or lunching downtown.Highlights
- Six-square-block wifi hotspot
- Direct fiber connection
- Internet feed
- Network antennas
“The new free wireless access has generated a lot of buzz. It makes downtown a gathering spot and helped us maximize our investment in revitalizing downtown Montrose.”
– Executive Director, Montrose Downtown Development Authority