Depot Public Broadband Launched In Time For Cheyenne Day

Shortgo Posted On July 24, 2019

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce was proud to go “Live” with public broadband on Wednesday, July 24th at 8 a.m. The announcement took place during Cheyenne Day’s Pancake Breakfast.

The “Depot Goes Live” Broadband Launch featured Governor Mark Gordon, Senator Tara Nethercott, Representative Dan Zwonitzer, Mayor Marian Orr, City of Cheyenne Councilman Chairman Rocky Case, as well as other City Council Representatives and local dignitaries. To commemorate the public access to broadband a countdown was held to “switch on” the WiFi via a Giant Light Switch. Blue powder then covered the sky from the Cheyenne Depot Museum Clock Tower, and access to the Public Broadband was officially LAUNCHED.

“Broadband has been a priority from the beginning of my administration and this public WiFi initiative shows we are making great strides on that front,” expressed Mayor Marian Orr. “Like many other utilities, broadband access has evolved to become vital in how we live, work and play. I would like to thank everyone who played a role in turning this from an idea on paper into a reality! And what better time to unveil this public service than during Cheyenne Frontier Days! This is a great service that will benefit our residents as well as visitors who visit the core of our historic downtown!”

“We are proud to celebrate the launch of the Depot Plaza Community WiFi system during Cheyenne Frontier Days along with our partners the City of Cheyenne, the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, and Charter Communications who took Microsoft’s investment and helped bring it to life,” said Dennis Ellis, Microsoft TechSpark Wyoming Manager. Microsoft has a history of community investment as Cheyenne is home to one of its data-centers and one of six TechSpark communities where the company is partnering on the local level to foster new economic opportunities. “Cheyenne is committed to creating a connected city and this free WiFi system that anyone can use to access the internet will make the Depot Plaza area an even more attractive destination for visitors, residents and the local businesses they support.”

Microsoft supplied the Greater Cheyenne Foundation $150,000 to supply public broadband in January of 2019. The pilot project designated the Cheyenne Depot Plaza and the Cheyenne Depot Museum as the primary location for this initial launch. Charter Communications conducted the installation of the free WiFi during the last 6 months and completed the project ahead of schedule.

“Charter appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce for this launch of Spectrum WiFi which, following last year’s introduction of Spectrum Internet Gig, builds on our commitment to deliver the latest and greatest in connectivity to the residents and businesses of Cheyenne,” said Todd Baxter, Charter Vice President of State Government Affairs.