June 24, 2006

The cities of Chandler and Tempe have won the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Desert Peak Award in the Regional Partnership category for the development of a contiguous wireless Internet system across the two communities.

Both cities are working with NeoReach Inc. to build the wireless system utilizing city light poles in return for free Internet access at various city facilities as well as (in Chandler’s agreement) 3,000 subscriptions for municipal use.

“Chandler has long been known as a place of technology and we continue that tradition with this effort,” Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn said.

“By bringing wireless Internet capabilities to the entire city, and joining our neighbor Tempe as the only cities in the state to offer such service, this system becomes the largest contiguous network in the country and a tremendous asset for our residents.”

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman likewise hailed the two cities' collaborative venture and cited the numerous benefits of their efforts.

“The award is truly an honor, and a tribute to the commitment of the team members from both our municipalities,” he said.

“By resource-sharing on this regional project, including dedicated staff from both cities, Tempe and Chandler continue to invigorate our cities as we serve our existing residents.

“This project contributes to the attraction of highly skilled employees and students of all ages who expect and deserve cutting edge communications technology.”

For seven years MAG has been recognizing agencies and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting, recognizing, and attaining the ideals of regionalism.

Other awards categories include Public Partnership, Public-Private Partnership, Professional Service, and Regional Excellence.