PANGAEA Internet Public Wi-Fi Network Expanding

TRYON, NC / April 13, 2016 – As part of its continuing commitment to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life in our community, PANGAEA Internet (PANGAEA), the leading commercial provider of high-speed fiber optic internet service for Polk and Rutherford Counties, is preparing to expand its efforts to deliver Public Wi-Fi in the PANGAEA service area.

After a successful pilot project in downtown Tryon last year, a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) enabled PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi to expand to the downtown business districts of Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, and Saluda. This network expansion was completed on March 31^st with such efficiency that grant funds remained, allowing PANGAEA to extend Public Wi-Fi to downtown Columbus and Tryon’s Harmon Field. Work on those projects will begin this summer.

“We are pleased to bring PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi to Tryon, Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, Saluda and soon to downtown Columbus and Harmon Field,” said Ron Walters, Executive Director of PANGAEA Internet. “By coming in under budget on the initial network, we are able to extend the network to these additional locations.” Walters pointed out that there is no charge to use PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi in any of the areas where it is available.

“I am amazed by the performance and high usage of this network,” said Stu Davidson, PANGAEA’s Operations Director. “By carefully planning our equipment placement to maximize signal strength and coverage, we are able to serve large numbers of users very efficiently.”

PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi is made possible by a partnership between ARC, the Towns, and PANGAEA to purchase and deploy the equipment necessary to build the network. PANGAEA provides the ongoing Wi-Fi service as part of its nonprofit community focus. Currently, PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi averages over 2,500 users per week. The network is prepared to support increased usage as warmer weather brings an increase in tourism to the region.

Residents and visitors to these communities can access the network by simply selecting “PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi” from the Wi-Fi settings of their phone, tablet, or laptop. After selecting “continue,” users will be transferred to the Towns’ web page.

PANGAEA Internet (pan-GEE-ah) is a non-profit provider of “Speed of Light” fiber optic internet service. Our network currently serves customers at more than 150 locations across Polk and Rutherford Counties, including public school districts, city and county governments, health care facilities, and local businesses. Visit us online at www.pangaea.us, or contact Executive Director Ron Walters at 828-859-3072.