October 31, 2005 – (Waterloo, ON) Earlier today, UpTown Waterloo went wireless with the launch of the UpTown Waterloo Wi-Fi Zone – an innovative move that will provide wireless Internet access for businesses and individuals who subscribe to the service in UpTown Waterloo.  

The launch of the Wi-Fi Zone, a combined effort of the City of Waterloo, Atria Networks, and the UpTown BIA, puts Waterloo in the select company of forward-thinking North American cities with wireless Internet access available throughout their core areas.

“This is an exciting move for the City of Waterloo,” said Mayor Herb Epp. “We’re proud to be one of the leaders in making wireless Internet access available to their businesses and to their citizens. The Wi-Fi Zone reflects our commitment to constantly looking for ways to leverage technology to make Waterloo an even greater place to live and to do business.”  

Steve McCartney, President and CEO of Atria Networks and partner in the project, was pleased with the enthusiastic support received from the City of Waterloo and the UpTown Business association.

“Atria couldn’t help but respond,” McCartney said.  “Wireless high-speed Internet opens the door to a host of applications, but first and foremost it provides the UpTown businesses and visitors to the area with simple, affordable, and mobile Internet access”.

Many of the local UpTown businesses made a commitment to the wireless initiative before it was even built.  These Wi-Fi Pioneers were able to foresee the value this service would bring to the UpTown businesses, community and visitors.

“Waterloo is on the map nationally and internationally as a forward thinking, intelligent community,” said Councillor Mark Whaley, who worked on this project. “Offering wireless access in UpTown Waterloo is another important first for this community, and we’re lucky that Atria was interested in doing this. Over time, the hope is that wireless access will be expanded, and I look forward to seeing that vision come true.”

This past summer, the Waterloo Public Library became the first City facility to offer wireless Internet access. Today, in addition to providing Wi-Fi throughout UpTown Waterloo’s core, wireless Internet access will also be available to subscribers at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and at RIM Park, both City of Waterloo facilities.  

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For Further Information:       
  
Patti McKague                                         Steve McCartney 
Corporate Communications Officer               President & CEO
City of Waterloo                                      Atria Networks Inc.
(519) 747-8748                                       (519) 593-3000