Chillicothe is now a wireless Internet community with the introduction of many new WiFi locations.

People can now use their laptops to receive high-speed wireless data connections in many places around Chillicothe. Horizon View, a service of Chillicothe Telephone, will be offering the new service “free” to any Horizon View Internet customer in the area. The new service, known as Horizon hotspot, will be launched during the Ross County Fair at several key locations and across most of the camping area.

“We want our Horizon customers to be able to take their Internet service with them around town,” said Bill McKell, Horizon CEO. “As portable computers get smaller and more handheld devices, like the iPhone, prefer the fast speeds of WiFi access points, Horizon is committed to providing high-speed wireless Internet service in the places our customers visit the most."

The introduction of this type of technology to Chillicothe is a plus for businesses and economic development, according to Marvin Jones, Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce President.

“The ability for people to access the Internet from their laptop computers or other devices in downtown Chillicothe and other spots around the city adds another dimension to the technological advantages of the community,” stated Jones. “Horizon’s leadership means business can be conducted from almost anywhere at any time.”

“Wireless hotspots all over town conjures up an image of leading edge cities, where the creative mix of people and technology drives thriving economies,” noted Chris Manegold, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio. “Horizon has opened up that door for this community and this region with a service that makes us more competitive in a variety of ways. And it just happens to be really cool, too.”

Service is FREE to all Horizon Internet customers and no cost to the hosting business.

Interested in becoming a Horizon hotspot? Call Joy Davis at 772-8325.