Local WiFi users talk about benefits, ease of wireless

By Roy Bernard

rbernard@daily-journal.com

815-929-5408

Seated comfortably at the Moon Monkey Cafe in Bourbonnais on Thursday, Bruce Wilson was checking up on business.

With his wireless laptop computer, Wilson was able to check his e-mails on project updates and messages from his boss and laborers.

Wilson, a sales representative for CRN Concrete Resurfacing in Kankakee, sees great benefits from having wireless access to his computer.

"I can e-mail quotes and contracts," Wilson said. "This makes it easier for you to send messages back and forth" with a client.

Wilson said developing a wireless system in downtown Kankakee will be a benefit for him, the business and other companies looking to locate in the city.

"I think it would be great," he said. Instead of having to check on e-mails at the office on Harvard Drive, off of Grinnell Road, "I could just go back into my car and stay in touch."

Wilson said he goes to the Moon Monkey Cafe about twice a week, and has found two other places that offer wireless access, Jimmy John's and the Great American Coffee Co., both in Bourbonnais. He added that he would like to see WiFi offered at the Food Court at Northfield Square in Bradley.

Levi Holland, an employee of the Moon Monkey in Bourbonnais, said the business' WiFi system started when the place opened in January. He added that it has been a popular place for wireless users.

"A lot of people come here because of that," he said. "They can do business, hang out; it's convenient."

Holland said most people, including students from OIivet Nazarene University, which is across the street, bring laptops. But he also has seen some hand-held PlayStations.

Standing in the cafe were three Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School students, Andrew Bisping, a junior from Bradley; and sophomores Jonathan Tumblin and Lyell Stark, also of Bradley.

Bisping said WiFi probably would be helpful for college students, and that he would use it when he goes to college.

Bisping and Tumblin agreed that having more WiFi accessibility locally will be of great interest to them.

Learning of the plan to start WiFi in Kankakee, Bisping thinks it's a great technological advancement.

"It'll enlighten the area," he said.

Andrew Bisping

Lyell Stark

Jonathan Tumblin