Aquila Neighborhood Association

The failure of ARINC, the City of St. Louis Park?’s WiFi contractor, to meet its Nov. 30, 2007, deadline to turn over a substantial portion of the network for testing has prompted city leaders to consider litigation against the company.

The project is several months behind schedule. In April, the city delayed the project for six weeks as it reviewed design criteria of the solar panels and pole locations after residents expressed concern. With this delay, Phase 1 of the service was scheduled to go live for service in June. ARINC has not completed Phase 1 or the other three phases of the project.

In light of these recent developments, the city is no longer able to provide a current project or service availability schedule. The matter continues to be under review by the city attorney. Once a legal strategy is determined, the council will discuss the strategy?’s potential impact on the project.

The approximately 200 customers participating in the initial non-solar powered pilot program begun in April of 2006 will continue to receive service pending City Council direction. It is unknown at this time whether service will continue for the solar-powered WiFi pilot program participants. All pilot customers will be notified with further information.

Current subscribers can visit www.parkwifi.com for more information, including alternate service options if needed.

About ARINC
ARINC provides mission critical communications, engineering and integration services. Among its higher profile activities is servicing radio communications for many airlines. To learn more, visit www.arinc.com.

By SLP update

Internet Alternative

In an effort to help residents find an economical alternative during this period of uncertainty, MetroProvider (a subsidiary of Unplugged Cities, LLC, the ParkWiFi management partner), has agreed to provide Turbo dialup and DSL internet services to City residents at a discounted rate and on a month to month basis. No long term contract is required. Residents may receive or keep a ParkWiFi email account as well. Details about these services and discounted rates are available by calling the ParkWiFi service number at 952-928-2859 or you can visit the ParkWiFi store at City Hall.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. As soon as any decisions have been made concerning these services, we will be sure to let the entire community know the status of ParkWiFi. You will continue to receive e-mail updates. For the most up-to-date information, please go to the ParkWiFi website (www.ParkWiFi.com) concerning service status. If you have not been receiving these email updates, you can go online at www.ParkWiFi.com and click on construction updates and subscribe.


By ParkWifi