---MEDIA AND COMMUNITY RELEASE---

(May 24, 2007)--- Hartford residents and visitors who are out enjoying the beautiful weather over the Memorial Day holiday weekend will be able to take advantage of free wireless broadband Internet outdoor access. It is available in many parts of the Blue Hills and Downtown Neighborhoods of Hartford. Visitors to Bushnell Park, River Front Plaza, and many outdoor eating establishments in Downtown will be able to sign up and log-on to free broadband service provided by “Wireless Hartford” (www.hartford.gov/wifi/WiFi_FAQ.htm).

The goal of this groundbreaking initiative by Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez is to close the digital divide in Connecticut’s Capital City. Wireless Hartford has logged in more than 5,600 new users and provided nearly 300 computers and training to Hartford families since it was initiated in November of last year.

“Wireless Hartford is on the cutting edge of the national effort to provide wireless broadband access to urban communities. The continued expansion of broadband access is not only a convenience for many of those who work in the city, but a necessity for our residents, who are often on the wrong side of the digital divide,” Mayor Perez stated.

The pilot wireless network is presently being expanded in the Blue Hills Neighborhood to increase the reliability and quality of service to more residents in that community. The feasibility of expanding wireless service to other neighborhoods will be determined at the end of the pilot phase.