Free WiFi is now available in the Main Street area of downtown Franklin.
Town Planner Justin Setser said they finished installing the last of the 12 antennas on Friday.
The coverage area extends from the east end of Main Street around Town Hall, the Scottish Tartans Museum and Ruby City west to almost the Lazy Hiker. Some of the side streets such as Iotla, Phillips and Stewart have coverage as well as the parking lot behind Outdoor 76. Setser said there are more antennas placed around the gazebo since that is a primary gathering site for events. The system is designed to accommodate heavy usage during large events.
The town hopes the free internet access will assist in economic development and provide a needed service for residents who do not have reliable internet access at home.
“The whole goal is so people at events can use it for a point of access; they can also use it for telehealth, work and schoolwork,” Setser said.
For security purposes, Setser said there are blockers and filters so people cannot access inappropriate content. The internet service is provided through BalsamWest, which is the town’s internet provider.
To connect to the system, go to the wireless option on your phone, tablet or other wireless device and choose “Franklin Downtown Free WiFi.” You’ll then be directed to a page with the terms and conditions and when you accept that you’ll be connected to the town’s website. From there you can continue browsing or using your device as you wish. There is no password required to connect to the free WiFi.
Setser said the new WiFi is not intended for downtown businesses to use as part of their regular business operations and that they will need to continue their own personal internet access. He said the company providing the service will be able to monitor and detect if most of the bandwidth is being used by one location.
In November the Franklin Town Council approved a $58,255.91 contract with Aerolina of Mount Pleasant for the installation and a three-year service agreement of the downtown system. Setser said the installation cost about $36,000. The town received a $30,000 grant from Appalachian Regional Commission to assist with the project. That grant required a match which was paid from a $20,000 grant from Dogwood Health Foundation and $10,000 from the town.
Setser said the grants will help cover the monthly fees for three years. After that the town with either have to apply for another grant or absorb the monthly cost, which is currently $500.
Setser said the town appreciates Macon County allowing them to choose the courthouse as a hub for the system.