EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is in response to a reader-submitted question through Open Source, a platform where readers can submit questions to the staff.
MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon launched free public WiFi in a limited downtown area six months ago.
The WiFi has since allowed for events in the area to conduct commerce digitally — including the Mount Vernon Farmers Market — using credit cards, Google Pay, etc., without burning through cell data.
For example, Marty Trese, coordinator of the Mount Vernon Farmers Market located in Public Square, said free WiFi has allowed the market to process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program transactions without having to purchase a WiFi hotspot, which was done previously.
Vendors also connect to the WiFi to process credit card transactions and post to social media during the market, updating residents about products available in real time, Trese said.
However, some local organizations have opted not to use the public WiFi to conduct e-commerce because of security concerns.
For example, Brian Bernicken, the technical manager for Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, sold tickets in downtown Mount Vernon at First Friday on Aug. 6.
Bernicken said the consortium considered using the public WiFi to conduct e-commerce — but ultimately decided against it.
Because so many people use the network and the password is accessible to all, the consortium did not feel comfortable handling people’s credit and debit card information on the open network, Bernicken said.
Multiple people attending First Friday on Aug. 6 who used the WiFi said the service has often been slow and spotty for them. Vendors at the farmers market have also had connectivity issues, Trese said.
For market vendors, it usually takes a while for devices to connect to the network.
“It takes 5 to 10 minutes for us to connect, but once it connects, it works fine,” Trese said.
Several vendors and attendees at First Friday said they had no idea there was free WiFi downtown, and Trese has interacted with customers at the market who have been unaware of the WiFi as well.
Trese thinks the city should put up signage to inform people about the WiFi and the password. So far such information is not posted in or around Public Square.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said the free WiFi will be extended to the northern side of downtown with the addition of a transmitter at the intersection of North Main Street and Chestnut Street. The city will install the transmitter in conjunction with the installation of new lights to limit traffic disturbances.
The city is waiting to receive the lights, so there is no definitive timeline for the installation, Starr said.
“In today’s market, they could arrive in two weeks, they could arrive tomorrow,” Starr said. “I don’t know.”
The city used COVID-19 relief funds and street department funds for the new router. Mount Vernon spent approximately $25,000 in CARES Act funding to install five broadband transmitters downtown at the start of the year.
The city will need to budget annually for internet service costs, however the amount has yet to be determined, Starr said. The budget will be discussed in the fall, he said.
The city has not heard WiFi complaints, Starr said, but he shared a success story.
Recently, a resident used the free WiFi to apply for a job. The resident did not have access to a computer or cell phone data and went to city hall seeking a solution. The library had been closed, but the resident was able to make the deadline for the job application after learning about the public WiFi, Starr said.
Mount Vernon downtown WiFi network currently extends from Public Square down South Main Street, ending near the Wright Center. There is also some signal on the 100 block of North Main Street, Starr said, as well as High Street heading east and west from Public Square.
Those wishing to connect can click “DowntownMV” in their WiFi browser and type in the password “mtv43050.” Guests must agree to the WiFi terms of use before connecting.
