End of June now the target for citywide Wi-Fi

Free wireless Internet access will be available to some St. Charles residents as soon as early May, with citywide service to follow by the end of June, officials said Friday.

Originally, the system was expected to be installed this week, with a launch date later this month, but the work was delayed by a Texas-based Internet provider under contract with the city, according to Electric Superintendent Glynn Amburgey.

Amburgey said the snag should not be interpreted as a sign the city's deal with MeshLinx is in danger of falling through, as two similar arrangements with different providers have before.

"There's been no indication of anything to be concerned about," he said, attributing the delay to internal issues at MeshLinx. "They're still planning on being here."

To get the system up and running, MeshLinx crews must install special equipment on utility poles around the city. Amburgey said some areas will have access by early to mid-May, with the entire city going online by the end of June.

At that point, the provider is expected to shift its attention to Geneva, which also is on tap to get the system.

Officials have said residents and businesses will be able to access the lowest grade of service for free while having the option of upgrading for a cost.