(May 12, 2016) Though expected several weeks ago, the rollout of free Wi-Fi internet access downtown has been delayed by the ongoing labor dispute between Verizon and its wireline workers.
Taylor Ballard, business account executive with Comcast responsible for the project, said many of the necessary personnel in Snow Hill have been absent recently, and the Verizon strike is a contributing factor to the delay. Ballard said the new system would be in place before Memorial Day.
“Comcast is the sole broadband internet service provider for Ocean City. That being said, Comcast does not offer seasonal rates to business accounts whereas, Verizon does/did,” Ballard said. “Verizon would temporarily suspend the customer’s account in the off-season so they don’t have to pay for services they aren’t using. Comcast won’t do that.”
As a result, Ballard said, seasonal businesses that called to restart services found no one on the other side of the line, because of the strike.
Local customers decided to call Comcast instead, he said. The resulting run of requests has left the local market with a labor shortage.
“We are anxiously awaiting for Wifi downtown. It was promised to us earlier, but we have to look at the technicians to make it work for us. When it comes, and it’s coming, it’s going to be a great thing,” Michael Day, economic development consultant to the town, said.
Four transponders have been installed: one on Green Street, two on River Street and another on Bank Street, Day said.
The coverage would include Sturgis Park and the Pocomoke River Canoe Company along the north edge of town and wouldn’t go much farther east, but would continue west to the area near the police station and likely as far south as Market Street, Day said.
Day said the system would support a webcam he hopes local broadcasters might use as part of their area showcases.
Day confirmed the town will be providing internet access as a service, and will not be collecting or sharing any data about users’ habits or locations as they use the system.
The town is picking up the cost of the installation, around $1,200, Day said. There is also a monthly charge for service, which is less than the installation charge but also includes phone service for the town.
“This product, Comcast Business Wi-Fi Pro, just launched a month ago,” he said. “It’s more built towards a small business environment.”
Traditionally, Ballard said Wi-Fi offered to the public is bundled with an existing high-speed connection.
Taylor Ballard, business account executive with Comcast responsible for the project, said many of the necessary personnel in Snow Hill have been absent recently, and the Verizon strike is a contributing factor to the delay. Ballard said the new system would be in place before Memorial Day.
“Comcast is the sole broadband internet service provider for Ocean City. That being said, Comcast does not offer seasonal rates to business accounts whereas, Verizon does/did,” Ballard said. “Verizon would temporarily suspend the customer’s account in the off-season so they don’t have to pay for services they aren’t using. Comcast won’t do that.”
As a result, Ballard said, seasonal businesses that called to restart services found no one on the other side of the line, because of the strike.
Local customers decided to call Comcast instead, he said. The resulting run of requests has left the local market with a labor shortage.
“We are anxiously awaiting for Wifi downtown. It was promised to us earlier, but we have to look at the technicians to make it work for us. When it comes, and it’s coming, it’s going to be a great thing,” Michael Day, economic development consultant to the town, said.
Four transponders have been installed: one on Green Street, two on River Street and another on Bank Street, Day said.
The coverage would include Sturgis Park and the Pocomoke River Canoe Company along the north edge of town and wouldn’t go much farther east, but would continue west to the area near the police station and likely as far south as Market Street, Day said.
Day said the system would support a webcam he hopes local broadcasters might use as part of their area showcases.
Day confirmed the town will be providing internet access as a service, and will not be collecting or sharing any data about users’ habits or locations as they use the system.
The town is picking up the cost of the installation, around $1,200, Day said. There is also a monthly charge for service, which is less than the installation charge but also includes phone service for the town.
“This product, Comcast Business Wi-Fi Pro, just launched a month ago,” he said. “It’s more built towards a small business environment.”
Traditionally, Ballard said Wi-Fi offered to the public is bundled with an existing high-speed connection.