Merry Harris Director of Economic Development
38 Hawley Street, 4th floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 772-7161
(607) 772-7244 fax ecodev@cityofbinghamton.com
Joel Boyd Assistant Director of Economic Development
(607) 772-7161
(607) 772-7244 fax
Welcome to Downtown Binghamton WiFi, a FREE public service provided by a unique partnership between the City of Binghamton, Plexicomm, and our community sponsors.
Customer Support
Binghamton WiFi provides customer support and technical assistance during normal business hours.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. If you are experiencing any difficulties with the service, signal reception, or repeater installation. We recognize that all wireless systems have limitations, and we need to hear whenever users experience low signal, dead zones, and other challenges. We will modify and adjust the system as best we can to deliver a strong, reliable service, so please contact us with your questions and concerns at (607) 821-4956.
WIFI ADVERTISING. Binghamton WiFi is a FREE service supported by ads. Businesses can reach a targeted audience of students, visitors, and downtown residents by placing ads with Binghamton WiFi. We've established three different advertising tiers to meet the needs of all advertisers. Please see our 2009 rate sheet. Interested advertisers can complete our online submission form, and our tech support will follow-up to complete the ad placement process.
SALE OF REPEATERS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS. Repeaters are small units (like a cable box) that can amplify the downtown wireless signal for private, indoor use in either lofts and apartments, or cafes and restaurants. A repeater discretely installed near a window will allow tenants and customers to use the free Binghamton wireless service. Binghamton WiFi repeater units must be purchased through customer support, and there is only a one-time cost of $199.00.
That's right, no monthly subscription fees!!
Why pay high monthly internet costs when you can save hundreds of dollars by shifting to Binghamton WiFi?Landlords, increase the value of your apartment or loft by installing a repeater! You may not know it, but entire facades of downtown buildings are covered by WiFi. Call Customer Support today to find out if this free signal is accessible in your apartment or loft!
General Information of Downtown Binghamton WiFi
Launched in March 2008, the ad-supported service offers FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET ACCESS for responsible users. With access points at 16 rooftop locations and three signification intersections, we have provided nearly a one square mile WiFi zone in the center of downtown with very good outdoor reception. Indoor reception can be amplified greatly by leasing and installing repeaters (see above), which are ideal for use in downtown cafes, residential lofts and lounges. Repeaters are located at the following commercial locations:
River Muse Cafe
Despina's Mediterreanean Taste
River Read Books
Java Joe's
The Pirate's Chest
Dillinger's
Lost Dog Cafe
Little Venice
Old World Deli
Direnzo's Deli
Whole in the Wall (Southbridge Commercial District)
Our legal contract with Plexicomm guarantees Binghamton WiFi will be operational through February 2010, but we expect this will become an asset of our downtown community for many years to follow.
We want to thank Binghamton University Professor Angelo Mastrangelo and his Economic Class for choosing to study and analyze the proposed Binghamton WiFi project (final report). We also thank our community sponsors for recognizing the value of providing downtown WiFi and offering their support.
When in the downtown hotspot, check out the available wireless networks and select "binghamtonwifi".
Binghamton WiFi Updates
3/10/09: "WiFi Usage in February Record High." The number of log-ins recorded on the city's wireless system reached almost 14,000, well above the previous monthly high of 11,068 set in November 2008.
2/28/09: "WiFi Signal Expands Deeper into Southbridge."In January, the city installed a rooftop access point to a southbridge property, and now the patrons of a new small business, River Muse Cafe, can access the city's free municipal wireless service.
1/05/09: "More Street Nodes Added." Three more street level nodes--which brings the total to five--were added the last few weeks of December. (see full release)
12/30/08: "Binghamton WiFi Splash Pages Get New Look." Those logging-on will now see a far more sophisticaed, hip look to the splash pages. The log-in pages now feature an RSS feed from City of Binghamton, as well as new public service announcements produced by local youth through the "Youth-in-Motion Media Lab," a City Youth Bureau collaboration with downtown business OnPoint Productions.
Feedback
Some positive stories about Binghamton's free downtown wireless service:
WIFI ADVERTISING. Binghamton WiFi is a FREE service supported by ads. Businesses can reach a targeted audience of students, visitors, and downtown residents by placing ads with Binghamton WiFi. We've established three different advertising tiers to meet the needs of all advertisers. Please see our 2009