How do I connect to the WiFi network? What systems do I need to purchase?
There are several ways to connect to the WiFi network. You can access free WiFi hot zones in a number of areas. Check out the list of hot zones and sign-in instructions. (Go) You can access City, government and community sites when you connect to the network and click on the Community Sites.
Why can’t I connect to WiFi service in my house?
Metropolitan WiFi systems are designed primarily for outdoor use . Although WiFi involves different technology, it is similar to needing additional equipment in your home to have access to cable-based or DSL wireless services.
Why is it that in some areas of the City, my WiFi connection is very slow?
WiFi connections are made possible through the use of low power radio signals. When these signals are in close proximity to a WiFi access point and the signal is strong, the system is capable of reaching speeds of 54 Mbps (many times faster than a cable modem or DSL). However, as you travel further away from the WiFi access point or if there is some physical structure between your device and the access point, the signal strength is reduced which in turn reduces your speed. Therefore, speeds will vary as you travel about the City.
What is “Customer Premise Equipment” and where can I get one?
“Customer Premise Equipment,” or CPE as it is more commonly called, is ancillary equipment other than your computer or the WiFi access point that will facilitate or improve your connections to WiFi. Devices that will improve or boost your wireless signal are available through your local retail outlets where technology is sold..
What are my options? What will the network do for me?
Although many of us want to have free Internet service in Corpus Christi, there are many who would not use the service and don't want to be burdened with the ongoing expense to maintain free Internet. Our system started as a support technology for Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and was therefore paid for with utility ratepayer money. Around 60 percent of the system is not needed for AMR nor will it be used by other government services. We were faced with the following choices regarding the unused bandwidth:
- Let this excess bandwidth remain dormant and keep the system as a “government operations only” service.
- Open the system up for public use and access including Internet services at the expense of the utility rate payer and taxpayer.
- Wholesale the excess bandwidth to Internet Service Providers (ISP's), allowing this portion of the system to pay for itself by charging only those who want wireless Internet services and allow the public to have free WiFi access to all community/government related sites (not including Internet).
Also, please note that WiFi and Internet access are two distinctly different things. The WiFi with its access to government and community sites (similar to a local phone service with no long distance capability) will always be funded by the City and will be available to you at no charge. Internet services, on the other hand (similar to long distance phone service), may be sold by ISP providers for a reasonable fee to help cover the cost for this service in the future.
Currently, the City's WiFi signal is only available in the published "Hot Zones" . For a full list of these areas, please navigate back to our homepage and click on the "Hot Zone" link
Will using WiFi increase my utility bill?
No. Plans for the WiFi system include utilities support only in the corresponding amount of the system they use to support their operations. Each segment of government that makes beneficial use of the system to provide their services will only be expected to pay for the portion of the system used. The remainder of the system available to the public will be self-sustaining. The cost of this system for government usage will be paid for either through the elimination of a more expensive technology currently being used or through making services more effective with a corresponding cost reduction or cost avoidance.
Does everyone in the 147-mile radius have access to it, or are there certain areas where we won’t find it?
The system is currently available in the 147 square mile land area within the city limits of Corpus Christi. Where the population is denser, the system is constructed with more density. In open, undeveloped areas of the city with less population density, the system is constructed with less density. As the demographic of the city change over time, the system should also change to accommodate system demands.