Posted Online: March 9, 2006

Wi-Fi comes to Kankakee

By Roy Bernard

rbernard@daily-journal.com

815-929-5408

Taking one giant leap into 21st Century technology, The Daily Journal is preparing to provide inexpensive wireless Internet service in downtown Kankakee and possibly through the rest of the city.

For people who have wireless laptop computers, the advancement will mean that they will have access to the Internet, e-mail and also Internet phone service downtown.

Tests on the Wi-Fi concept have been conducted by The Daily Journal's Information Services Department since December. Every test has been successful, said Wade LeBeau, Information Services director.

The Daily Journal is coordinating its activity with the city of Kankakee and the Kankakee Development Corp., which is the private, nonprofit organization that focuses on downtown projects.

"This brings the city of Kankakee into the next century," said Kankakee Mayor Don Green. "It's going to be exciting for those who do business in the city by providing them with a state-of-the-art system."

An antenna for the wireless service was installed on The Daily Journal's roof on Dearborn Square. With that connection, the service area expands Wi-Fi coverage to the Depot, which now houses some city departments. In one test, LeBeau said wireless service was attained as far away as the Burger King parking lot at South Schuyler Avenue and Bourbonnais Street. He connected to both the Internet and e-mail.

LeBeau sees more advancements coming on the Wi-Fi coverage area.

"This is great for both for the city and the newspaper. We hope to be able to expand it further," LeBeau said.

Green said that ultimately the goal is to bring Wi-Fi service to every part of the city.

Tim Schmidt, the KDC's executive director and the city's economic development director, said: "There are literally only a handful of cities across the country that provide this service to the residents. The leadership and forward thinking of KDC, Mayor Green and The Daily Journal puts Kankakee out front rather than waiting for others to take the lead."