JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Being mobile in downtown Jacksonville is about to get easier.
More Wi-Fi hot spots are coming, which means you could stay connected from Hemming Park through the entertainment district.
Right now, Hemming Park is the only area in downtown with what’s called a “wireless access point” that allows you to connect to public Wi-Fi.
Starting next week, four more wireless access points will be installed at Hemming Park, nine will be installed throughout The Elbow entertainment district and several others throughout downtown for a total of 21.
It’s a project Gary Lathion, who runs Latin Soul Grille food truck, said will also benefit his business.
“It just adds to the atmosphere that's already here for the customers who will have the opportunity to get on their laptops and enjoy their lunch with free Wi-Fi,” said Lathion.
The new hot spots will span Hemming Park, the Hogan Street corridor, the Laura Street corridor, the Main and Bay streets area and the intersection of Ocean and Forsyth.
“A lot of people are very savvy and a lot of professionals use it. It’s kind of like the appeal for like Starbucks where they can come in jump on their Wi-Fi,” said Lathion.
The CEO for the Downtown Investment Authority said it’s another way to make downtown more competitive in attracting technology companies or tech savvy residents.
“The DIA Board approved an additional $70,000 in funding for Wi-Fi in October 2015 so that we could get a larger, more robust coverage area,” said Wallace.
Once all the hot spots are installed, more than 31,000 users can connect at the same -- that’s up from only 50 users now.
The total cost for the project is $150,000. All the installations are expected to be completed by May 13.
Cox Media Group
