News 12 at six o'clock, March 27, 2009

AUGUSTA,Ga---Augusta is going Wi-Fi after more than 3 years of preparation. The formal announcement comes Monday, but News 12 has an exclusive behind-the scenes look at how the city is bringing the Internet right to your door step.

Rickamer Hoover is seldom seen without his computer.

"My business, my school, and recreation is all through the Internet," said Hoover. "Wherever I go, I need it."

That reality has made living in Downtown Augusta a challenge for Hoover until now. The city is going Wi-Fi.

"I've always really enjoyed the downtown experience," said Hoover. "However I've always felt there were things limiting it."

"It's basically one more bullet on the pamphlet when you're trying to attract companies to come to Augusta," said Gary Hewett who is assistant director of the Information Technology department.

"I absolutely love it," said Hoover. Everything I do is through the Internet."

How much did this Wi-Fi network cost? The state pitched in $600,000. $300,000 in taxpayer money covered the rest of the costs.

"Do you think the buy-in is there." we asked Hoover. "I hope so," he said.

Gary calls the network a win-win for taxpayers and the city. "Especially for the city due to the fact that we don't have a drain on our operating budget," said Gary.

There is a free entry level service for up to 2 hours. There is also an estimated $20.00 monthly subscription fee that would fund the project.

"You would no longer consider moving into an area that didn't have cellular coverage," said Hoover. "There will be a time in the very near future that you will not consider moving into an area that doesn't have this type of coverage either."

The Wi-Fi will span north to the river, south from Laney Walker to Highland avenue, east to Gordon Highway, and to Washington Road from Calhoun Expressway to Boy Scout Road. It will cover 4 square miles.