As free Wi-Fi has become ubiquitous in marinas and harbors around the world, the city of Baltimore, Maryland recently announced that visitors to the Inner Harbor will have access to free wireless internet service.
The completion of phase one of the Inner Harbor Wi-Fi Project will allow Baltimore City residents and tourists visiting the Inner Harbor to access free Wi-Fi service along the promenade—from Rusty Scupper to the west side of the World Trade Center.
“Our Inner Harbor is an internationally recognized attraction, so it only makes sense that we provide residents and visitors with access to the world wide web,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “My administration will continue to pursue twenty-first century policies that create better connected communities.”
The second phase of the project—expected next year—will extend internet service from the World Trade Center to the Baltimore Public Works Museum.
“Projects like this are just the beginning of the opportunities that remain as we strengthen and expand the City’s fiber optic network,” said L. Jerome Mullen, acting chief technology officer, Mayor’s Office of Information Technology. “We are building digital city infrastructure and the possibilities are endless.”
MOIT launched the Inner Harbor Wi-Fi Project four months ago. As part of the Baltimore broadband strategy, the Mayor’s office placed access points surrounding the harbor that will provide internet services to visitors’ mobile devices, laptops, tablets, iPads, and any other device they may be carrying.
“The addition of free Wi-Fi at the Inner Harbor is fantastic for local families who want to upload photos to their social media networks or play music while relaxing at West Shore Park; for those who work Downtown and want to be able to respond to emails while enjoying lunch at the Amphitheater; and for anyone who wants to look up the next Water Taxi departure or purchase tickets to the Science Center,” said Laurie Schwartz, president, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore Inc.
This is not the first extension of free public Wi-Fi provided by the Rawlings-Blake administration. All local historic public markets are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as Penn Station and the area Community Action Centers.
