As many of you know back in October 2018 we launched the first community WiFi project for the Town of Boydton, funded by a generous donation from Microsoft. Microsoft approached us again and asked where can we invest in the community with another project. My immediate response was Clarksville.

Clarksville’s design was more challenging because there is more ground to cover, and unlike Boydton, no water tower in the middle of the town. We began working in the background with Mayor Kevin Allgood, and Jeff Jones, Town Manager, as well as Sheila Cuykendall, Director of the Chamber of Commerce. We first had to make sure everyone was on-board with this project before we spent the time to design the system. Fortunately, everyone was on-board and we could move the project forward. We had to keep this all under wraps until funding was approved by Microsoft.

Here is how the system will work. Visitors to the ballpark, library/fine arts center, and downtown Clarksville will see a WiFi named “Clarksville WiFi”. Guests will login and accept the terms of use and then will have 2 hours of free WiFi access. At the end of 2 hours the system will automatically log you out and block your device for a period of time. This is to prevent abuse. This WiFi system is meant as a temporary connection not a replacement to your home or business internet. This is a public WiFi system, although we will have security devices and protocols in place, use at your own risk.

Lake Country Internet will be building a separate fixed wireless internet system in which residences and business can purchase our internet service. The service will be unlimited up to 1 terabyte of data, with speeds up to 30 Mbps down, and up to 5 Mbps up. There will be no contract, no activation fee, and in most cases no installation fee. The price is $70/month business or residence. This paid service will allow us to maintain the free WiFi service for Clarksville long-term. Watch our Facebook page and web site for more details in the future. Below is the official press release prepared by Microsoft for us.

CLARKSVILLE, Va. – Mar. 19, 2019 – The Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, Lake Country Internet, and Microsoft today announced a project to provide free community Wi-Fi service to downtown Clarksville. The project is similar to the community Wi-Fi project launched in October 2018 in Boydton.

System design is complete, with details of the design presented to the Clarksville Town Council today. Equipment will be installed over the next two months, with launch of the service anticipated by June. Anticipated coverage area will include areas around Robbins Ballpark, the Clarksville Public Library, and along Virginia Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street.

“The community Wi-Fi system will allow residents and visitors to stay connected when visiting downtown Clarksville, spending time at the library, attending festivals, or attending a sporting event at Robbins Ballpark,” said Clarksville Mayor Kevin Allgood.  “Staying connected is an important part of everyday life in our community, and we are pleased to work with Lake Country Internet, The Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, and Microsoft to bring this service to our community.”

 “We are proud to partner with the Town of Clarksville and Microsoft to build and operate this free community Wi-Fi project for the town,” said David Varner, Lake County Internet’s President. “As a local family-owned business, we are dedicated to delivering products and solutions that help residents in our community connect to the Internet.”

Microsoft contributed $125,000 for the design, deployment, and operation of the Wi-Fi system. The investment is part of Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Development initiative. Microsoft operates a major datacenter near Boydton.

“Microsoft is committed to helping communities fill gaps in broadband coverage. As the world becomes more digital, access to online services and data becomes more important,” said Robert Sloan, Principal Program Manager with Microsoft’s Talent, Workforce, and Community Development team. “Like the community Wi-Fi system in Boydton, this project will help Clarksville residents and visitors stay connected.”