Location:

City parks and downtown Statesville. The pilot will begin at the Statesville Soccer Complex before expanding to additional locations, including downtown, Caldwell Park, Bristol Community Center, and the Statesville Fitness & Activity Center.

Overview:

The Statesville Public Wi-Fi Pilot is a phased initiative to provide free public wireless internet access at key community gathering spaces throughout the city. Rather than deploying a citywide system all at once, the project will begin with a targeted pilot that expands existing City infrastructure to improve internet access, evaluate community usage, and guide future expansion efforts. The project supports digital inclusion while enhancing the usability of parks, recreation facilities, and downtown public spaces.

Key Features/Benefits to Residents:

• Free public Wi-Fi at select City parks and downtown locations.
• Improved access to reliable internet for residents and visitors.
• Enhanced connectivity during community events, athletic tournaments, and recreational activities.
• Scalable infrastructure designed to support future expansion to additional City facilities.
• Cloud-managed network providing secure and reliable public internet access.

Anticipated Start Date:

July 2026

Anticipated Completion Date:

March 2027

Project Phases:

• Phase 1: Install public WiFi at the Statesville Soccer Complex as the initial pilot location.
• Phase 2: Expand service to downtown Statesville and additional City parks and community facilities based on pilot results and available funding.

Potential Disruptions:

Minor installation work may result in temporary equipment installation activities and limited construction in select locations. Any impacts to the public are expected to be minimal.

Estimated Cost:

$40,000

Funding Sources:

City capital funding and grant opportunities. The city will continue pursuing state and federal broadband and digital inclusion grants to support future phases of the project.