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Get Back In The Zone; The Spokane Hot Zone!

SPOKANE, Wash. - The City of Spokane and a team of partners are re-launching the Spokane HotZone, a free* wireless network covering parts of the downtown city center. 

Originally launched in 2004 to much media fanfare and attention, the HotZone had been sustained on the donations and contributions of technology partners. A recent newspaper article highlighted some gaps and problems in the original network and infrastructure which have limited its operational efficiencies. 

Now, two new partners have come on board to help support this downtown asset. Ptera Wireless Inc. will entirely redesign the wireless system, provide user and access management and ongoing maintenance.  Tierpoint LLC will be providing internet bandwidth. While both companies are located outside the City of Spokane, they were interested in being part of the solution to bring the HotZone back to life.

"Ptera has been engaged in installing and operating community hot spots in Liberty Lake for several years", said Jim Wilson, President, Ptera Wireless Inc. While the increase in smart wireless devices and available cell service has made free wireless less unique, we still see a lot of WiFi enabled phone and laptop users enjoying the higher speed of our hotspot networks. Downtown community events like Hoopfest and Bloomsday, as well as locations like the University District, will really benefit from the relaunch of this network."

"As a tele-communications and data center services provider, we value real-time access to information anytime and anywhere.  It is also important for our customers and our community," said Octavio Morales, Partner, Tierpoint LLC.  "Contributing to the revitalization of the HotZone is something we want to engage in.  The HotZone is one of those assets that clearly differentiates our community by allowing visitors and local users to stay connected with free Internet services."

Prior to Hoopfest 2010, Ptera installed new high-bandwidth connections to the Spokane HotZone. It was up and running during Hoopfest, allowing users free access to WiFi in parts of the downtown area.  The Ptera team will work with the City on redesigning and upgrading the system over the next few months to provide more consistent coverage and higher speed.

"We are very excited to have renewed community support for the Spokane HotZone. Our thanks go out to Ptera and Tierpoint for helping us rejuvenate this asset," Spokane Mayor Mary Verner said.  "The HotZone now will continue to be an additional selling point for Spokane as we work to grow businesses, build the University District, and attract visitors."

 About Ptera Wireless

Ptera Wireless was founded in 2002 by Jim Wilson, a local entrepreneur. Ptera's wireless internet solutions help customers receive reliable broadband and phone service in both urban and rural Spokane County. Their network was the first redundant wireless network in the region, and the first w

ireless network to deploy VOIP service, providing reliable connectivity to residences and businesses of all sizes.  Ptera Wireless operates a wireless network covering most of Spokane County and parts of Stevens and Pend d'Oreille counties.  Ptera Wireless operates free wireless networks in Liberty Lake at Pavilion Park and at the Spokane Teachers Credit Union headquarters.  For more information or a free site survey, please call 509 927 Ptera (7837) or visit our new website at www.ptera.net.About TierPoint
TierPoint LLC has rapidly become the premier Business Continuity Data Center and Carrier Hotel in the Inland Northwest. Backed by Bernard Daines, an industry visionary with a proven history of entrepreneurial successes, TierPoint empowers businesses with mission critical availability, security and reliability. TierPoint offers a complete suite of Business Continuity Infrastructure Services, including Colocation, Internet Bandwidth and Network Connectivity, Hosting, Managed Security and Compliance, and Data Backup Services to customers throughout the region – allowing them to leverage the carrier-class and carrier-neutral facility to optimize their business objectives. For more information on TierPoint, please contact us at (509) 688-2555, or visit our website at www.tierpoint.com.

About City of Spokane

The City of Spokane is home to about 205,000 residents and is the second largest city in the state of Washington.  The City employs about 2,000 people to deliver many critical services, including police and fire services; water, wastewater, and garbage collection; libraries; parks; and streets.  Spokane was incorporated in 1881.  More information is found at www.spokanecity.org.

About Downtown Spokane Partnership

The DSP is a private, non-profit organization that serves as Spokane's central city advocate and service provider, dedicated to enhancing the quality and vitality of Downtown Spokane as the basis for a healthy region. The DSP accomplishes its mission through advocating for public policies, business and project development, quality planning, physical improvement projects, public safety, beautification, and marketing programs that ensure Downtown's continued success.

About Greater Spokane Incorporated
Greater Spokane Incorporated is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region.  Your Regional Chamber and EDC, GSI is funded by more than 1500 private-sector member investors; Washington State; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Medical Lake; Newport and Millwood.  For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.