Leaders consider Wi-fi in downtown

Jonesborough might be Tennessee’s oldest town, but it’s certainly trying to keep up with the newest technology.
According to Town Administrator Bob Browning, leaders are working to get Wi-fi for the entire downtown area of Jonesborough.
Wi-fi allows electronic devices, such as computers, smart phones and tablets, to connect to the Internet through a wireless network.
“If you know you have available service to stuff like that, it gives people a reason to come down here,” Browning said. “People look for a place where they can continue carrying on their business.”
Calling it a “marketing and tourism tool,” Browning said the town is working with Century Link to get a Wi-fi area set up in downtown.
“We’ve asked them to determine if they can do it and at what cost,” Browning said. “We’re hoping for something like, maybe they would pay for the equipment and potentially the town pays for the monthly service, depending on the cost.”
Browning said the town is looking at forming a deeper partnership with Century Link through the process, with the company serving as a sponsor for possibly town events throughout the year.
“We’re just pursuing it at this point because it is just the way technology is going,” Browning said. “It would just be an added benefit that is out there for people coming to Jonesborough.”