WEST DES MOINES, Iowa- The City of West Des Moines and Microsoft Corp. are partnering to expand Wi-Fi service in the Valley Junction neighborhood.
West Des Moines city officials say the idea came out of talks about economic development and planning.
Backers say expanding Wi-FI should be a priority for keeping and recruiting businesses and citizens.
“Access to high-speed broadband service is critical to success in today’s world,” said Steve Gaer, Mayor of West Des Moines. “So much of our everyday lives – from banking and commerce to communication, education and entertainment – requires access to reliable broadband service. We want to ensure that high-speed broadband is available to all of our residents and businesses so that everyone has the best opportunity to be successful.”
The City of West Des Moines says Valley Junction chosen for the project because of the area’s historical significance to West Des Moines and because of the lack of new investment in affordable high-speed broadband options for the neighborhood’s students, residents and businesses. Valley Junction also has a high-concentration of students from low and moderate-income families.
The city says the project aims to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for students in the neighborhood. The pilot is also expected to provide data to be used to determine cost-effective ways to to increase broadband access in West Des Moines and other communities.