NEWTON For years, city leaders had been looking for a way to offer wireless Internet access as a free public service.
Options always cost too much – from $50,000 to $150,000.
But Jason Clay, 42, Newton’s information service director, didn’t stop trying to find a less-expensive solution. He kept researching and recently cracked the puzzle. By spending only about $3,000 and using equipment from two different companies, the city has been able to provide free outdoor Wi-Fi in the downtown area.
Leaders saw it as a way to bring more customers into the central business district and encourage the use of public parks and the city swimming pool.
There’s also another benefit: mobile devices that will help them monitor the city’s water supply and electrical grid.
“This is uncharted territory for the city,” said Mayor Robert Mullinax.
