By Becky Holland
COCHRAN — A proposal that could bring free public Wi-Fi to downtown Cochran was presented to the Cochran City Council Thursday night.
Ken Land, director of the Cochran Downtown Development Authority, presented the Connect Cochran proposal, which calls for installing a network of 10 outdoor Wi-Fi access points throughout the downtown corridor.
Under the proposal, the Chamber of Commerce, City of Cochran, Bleckley County, Downtown Development Authority and Industrial Development Authority would jointly finance the project. Middle Georgia State University would handle installation and maintenance of the system.
The proposal describes downtown Cochran as a “technology dead zone,” noting that students, professionals and community members may be less likely to spend time downtown if they do not have dependable access to Wi-Fi for phones, laptops, computers or tablets.
The plan calls for 10 access points to be strategically placed along Second Street, providing coverage from Ash Street to Dykes Street. Some coverage would also extend to First and Third streets.
Each access point would provide an estimated 150-foot radius of coverage. The goal would be to provide free public Wi-Fi for residents, students, visitors, businesses and downtown events.
The proposal also points to potential benefits for downtown businesses and vendors, including the ability to conduct online sales and process payments, while visitors could more easily access information and remain connected while downtown.
The estimated total cost of the project is $35,857.52, including equipment, five-year product licensing and 12 months of Sparklight service.
The five participating organizations — the Chamber, city, county, DDA and IDA — would share the cost. If no grant funding is secured, each participating entity would contribute approximately $7,171.50.
The Chamber and DDA are currently working on grant applications that could reduce or potentially cover the cost of the project.
The downtown Wi-Fi plan is identified as “Option 1” and seeks funding approval for the project.
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