Media Release

Contact:

Dr. Eric R. Workman, County Administrator

The County of Bland

Phone: (276) 688-4622

Fax: (276) 688-9758

Email: eworkman@bland.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bland County wireless authority

Makes adjustment to County hotspot operations

December 6, 2014

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(The County of Bland, Virginia) – The Bland County Wireless Authority announced today that citizens and visitors to the County should expect modifications to the operation of Wireless Authority operated hotspots. The rising costs associated with the operation of the hotspots have required the Wireless Authority to limit hotspot availability to one (1) hour per day per electronic device effective January 1, 2014.

The operation and maintenance of Wireless Authority hotspots were originally funded through federal grant monies. Once those funds were exhausted, the entire cost associated with the operation of hotspots was placed on the Wireless Authority. While it is the goal of the Wireless Authority to expand broadband internet capability in the County of Bland, due to the lack of grant funding, adjustments are needed to improve the financial stability of the system.

Another modification to the hotspots will be the addition of a splash page. Users of the hotspots will first see a splash page that will include opportunities for local entities to advertise. As more and more people utilize mobile devices to surf the internet, digital advertising will provide an avenue for local groups and businesses to reach the public.

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