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Quaint Lakeside Village Now Offers Free WiFi Hot Spots

Sunapee Harbor, N.H. - Surf's up in Sunapee Harbor. It is now possible to check e-mail and utilize on-line programming via wireless Internet (WiFi) service in New Hampshire's Sunapee Harbor. From land or water, visitors can use laptop computers and handheld devices to send and receive e-mail, access information and play online games at no charge. The WiFi transmitters and Internet service are being provided by the Sunapee Harbor Riverway, an organization that is committed to the economic and social vitality of this historic lakeside community.

"Another reason to come to Sunapee Harbor, another reason to stay longer in the harbor," is the way Riverway director Bob Anthonyson describes the new service, noting that while the Riverway funded the capital improvements necessary to offer WiFi service in Sunapee Harbor, local businesses have stepped in to sponsor the ongoing expense of offering the service year 'round.

The WiFi "Hot Spots," the specific locations where the Internet access will be possible, are three of the most accessible venues in Sunapee Harbor: the tent adjacent to the Wild Goose Country Store, the tent between the Sugar River and the Quack Shack, and inside Marzelli's Sweet Shop & Cafe at Sunapee Harbor. "We have installed 'industrial strength' transmitters from Colubris Networks that will extend the WiFi range as far as the boat docks and nearby sidewalks, to make it as accessible as possible," adds Anthonyson.

In order to make use of the free Internet service, a computer owner will need "wireless card," an integral feature of most current laptop computers and handheld devices (and an after-market option for most other laptop computers). When the computer user clicks to open a web browser, a "Splash" page will open up on the screen, explaining the simple steps needed to register for free Internet service. The Splash page will also promote the diversity of activities offered in Sunapee Harbor, and include links to the service's sponsors: Chiarella Realty, Sunapee Harbor Cottages, and New London Agency. The service provider is Make M' Wireless and the transmitting equipment is from Colubris Networks.