FREE INTERNET SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE AT JONES PLAZA
Wi-Fi Installment Good Throughout 2007, Citywide Plan To Follow

May 31, 2007 -- As part of its agreement to promote special events this year at Jones Plaza in downtown Houston, Wise Concerts has installed equipment at the outdoor venue that will provide free Internet service for laptop computer users.

Installation of a DSL Internet connection and a wireless router was completed May 23 and will be in place for at least the remainder of 2007. The number of users that can connect at one time is a function of the bandwidth and the amount of interference and obstacles. Assuming users are typically performing simple functions such as email and Web browsing, approximately 50 users may be connected at the same time. The signal range on the plaza is 25-50 yards.

“The City is in the process of building a citywide wireless broadband network that is anticipated to be completed in 2009,” said Dawn Ullrich, director of the Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department, which manages Jones Plaza. “Until that system in place, Wise Concerts is providing a service that will allow many persons who work and live downtown to obtain free Internet service at any time from this prominent downtown location.”

Lunch, Ullrich reminds, is a great time to visit Jones Plaza, where food is sold at Plaza Bistro from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wise Concerts is the presenter of the free concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Jones Plaza. Event information is available at www.wiseconcerts.com.