This week, Poplarville city officials announced the availability of the city’s newest amenity, Wi-Fi access.
Residents, visitors and students can now connect to the Internet in the city’s downtown and city park area, Mayor Brad Necaise said.
“We wanted to offer convenience in our town, in order for people to find what they need with regards to food, retail and other attractions we offer here,” Necaise said. “It’s like a virtual concierge.”
People can access Wi-Fi downtown from 101 N. Main St. to 104 W. Magnolia St., Necaise said. This Wi-Fi access is made possible, at no cost to the city, by a partnership with local cable and Internet provider, Media3.
Visitors to city park can now access the Internet during their visit.
“We had our parents, students and caregivers in mind when we added the Wi-Fi access to city park,” Necaise said. “A number of our college students, for a change of scenery, can come to the park and sit under a tree to study.”
The Wi-Fi access in city park runs off the signal from City Hall, Necaise said. Internet access is available from City Hall to the west end of city park.
Necaise said the response thus far has been positive.
“One Facebook post read ‘So many great things are happening in Poplarville. Thanks to the people at City Hall for making this available,’’’ Necaise said. “We want residents and visitors to have access to their online accounts and other various forms of social media and entertainment.”
There is no password needed to access the Wi-Fi, Necaise said. However, officials are in the process of developing a splash page, which will feature Media3 and provide business card advertisements for local businesses, Necaise said.
To access the city’s Internet, look for the name PopWiFi under network connections in your phone or other device. Once selected, users will be brought straight to the Internet, Necaise said.