Free Internet Service Comes To Downtown Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Two companies are teaming up with the city of Woodstock to provide free broadband internet service in its downtown area.

The city is partnering with Compass Broadband Networks, a Florida-based broadband service provider, and Georgia-based CMA Inc., a wireless management company, to bring high-speed internet access to the area.

The partnership also provides the option to upgrade for enhanced services up to 50 megabits. The free internet access will be provided without embedded advertising, the city notes. As an added benefit, the city will not incur any expenses as a result of this venture. The initial offering is the first step in Woodstock becoming a Smart City.

Additionally, free broadband internet service will be available to support increased demand when the city hosts concerts or other events in the downtown area.

“We believe this new offering to our community is vital to the development of the downtown area," said Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques. "Future development of our city is predicated on the foundation of a robust wireless infrastructure and this endeavor is simply the first step in a long-range plan to expand services such as this to other areas as well.”

CMA Inc., which holds an agreement with the city to promote 5G technology and small cell deployment, specializes in providing cities with the opportunity to create a revenue stream by leasing assets to carriers. It has more than 20 such agreements in place with cities around the country.

“Bringing high-speed internet to the downtown area of Woodstock is a culmination of many months of exemplary cooperation between the city of Woodstock, CMA, and CBN Networks," said CMA President Paul Reynolds. "We’re proud to be among the first in the nation to offer completely free internet access to areas and venues within cities while assisting them in generation revenue.”

Compass Broadband Network’s CEO Randy Ray added his company was delighted to provide this service to the city.

"A robust and reliable technological infrastructure is as important today as interstates was to manufacturing 50 years ago," Ray added. "Without a solid foundation, it’s difficult for cities to develop and flourish. High-speed broadband service has become an essential part of our daily lives.”

The network went live in mid-June, and CBN said it will also be able to offer dedicated services to the businesses in the area. This service is unique in that there is no expense for capital or ongoing services to the city.

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