Small change coming for Riverside’s free Wi-Fi network

Computer news headline from the City of Riverside:

The city is now managing and operating the municipal Wi-Fi network with a new Wi-Fi operator, US Internet, starting at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, people should change their computer service set identifier, or SSID, setting from ATTMETROFREE to SmartRiverside to continue to use the free Wi-Fi.

The City Council recently approved the change in Wi-Fi operations from AT&T to US Internet. US Internet will have the contract for the next five years.

The city partnered with AT&T in 2007 to build and sustain a free Internet access network for residents. The city will retain the assets and equipment associated with the Wi-Fi system and worked closely with AT&T to support a smooth transition, according to Steve Reneker, the city’s chief information officer.

The city has also applied for federal economic stimulus grants to expand coverage across Riverside.

Wi-Fi coverage has spread since the program began three years ago. Many new users are graduates of the city’s Digital Inclusion Program. Families with incomes less than $45,000 can register for the program, which includes training in addition to a free refurbished PC, Microsoft Office software and a wireless access device through SmartRiverside. More than 4,000 city residents are graduates of the program.

For more information call the city’s call center at (951) 826-5311.

Filed under Headline