County Council Offers Free Wi-Fi

MEDIA–Delaware County Council now provides free wireless Internet access to the public, allowing Wi-Fi “hot spots” in public areas of both the Government Center and Courthouse buildings in Media.

Wi-Fi is a mechanism that allows electronic devices to exchange data wirelessly over a computer network. Over the last year, access points or “hot spots” have been created throughout the Courthouse and Government Center complex.

“We want our visitors, particularly people doing business here at the Government Center, to be able connect to people and places while visiting our facilities,” said Councilman John McBlain.

“There’s a need for people to stay connected these days and Council wants to offer that enhanced service to our visitors. This added tool also enhances government transparency through easier access, and enhances public safety by adding a backup means of communicating.”

The free Wi-Fi access is configured outside the county’s professional network. Delaware County’s Information Technology Department (IT), under the leadership of Director Jerry O’Connor, has taken secure measures to ensure Wi-Fi users cannot access county or court-related information unless given specific authorization.

“Wireless Internet access is now a widespread service in both the home and workplace,” O‘Connor said. “To a large degree people expect to have a connection wherever they are and whenever they need it.”

The Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan states that most smartphones sold today have Wi-Fi capabilities, so installing mini-base stations and Wi-Fi hotspots in government buildings will also improve indoor cell phone coverage, particularly during an emergency, and increase wireless network capacity.

Benefits of Wi-Fi include providing residents with convenient Internet access on laptops, phones and other mobile devices when visiting the Government Center and Courthouse facilities.

This service will allow users to access the Internet to browse websites, manage e-mails, conduct video conferences, access documents, send messages and connect to their offices.

No password is required to connect. Before gaining access to the Internet, users must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) provided through a prompted startup screen and are automatically connected to the “AIRNET” signal.

The AUP is a “Guest Network Acceptable Use Policy” between the user and the County of Delaware to define acceptable usage of the guest network. It also states that by agreeing to these terms, the county is not responsible for any engagement made by the user in any of the prohibited activities listed in the policy provided.

The policy also states that the county will “cooperate with legal authorities and/or third parties in the investigation of any suspected or alleged crime or civil wrong doing and reserves the right to alert legal authorities of any suspected or alleged crime or civil wrong doing.”

In terms of web-browsing freedom, there are no restrictions aside from movie and music downloading and pornographic websites. The county is using content filtering to restrict suggestive content and Web advertising, and also to protect visitors from phishing sites.

“Technology is changing the way we do business and the way we communicate with our residents,” Councilman McBlain said. “In Delaware County, we want to take every advantage of the positive aspects of technology and make sure our residents reap those benefits.”

It is Council’s hope that the implementation of free Wi-Fi at the Government Center complex, in addition to the County’s website and new e-newsletter, enhance county government services for all residents. For more information visit the County’s website at www.co.delaware.pa.us.