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High-speed Internet access could be available here soon<br>

Williams’ residents and business may soon have the option to purchase broadband Internet access, thanks to TeleSpectra. TeleSpectra is a company specializing in providing and financing high-speed wireless Internet access to rural communities throughout Arizona.

Michael McHale of TeleSpectra addressed the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors during their regular meeting July 25.

TeleSpectra has successfully funded expansion into the town of Wellton. The company has two additional projects approved and pending in other cities. TeleSpectra currently plans to initiate the project in Williams by July 31, McHale said.

If TeleSpectra brings broadband Internet services to Williams, the town will be connected to a Tier1 Internet service provider. Depending on how quickly customers want to access the Internet, TeleSpectra will offer connections of 256k, 512k and one meg. Services offered will be competitively priced and affordable and will be the same rates customers in metropolitan areas enjoy, said McHale.

The wireless service will require a receiver. The small box can be mounted to the side of a house or can sit on a desktop since no line of sight is required. The average cost for residential use will be $25 for a 256k connection, he said.

Chamber Board of Director Michael Vasquez praised McHale’s efforts. He obtained a letter of endorsement for TeleSpectra on behalf of the Williams City Council. Vasquez presented McHale with the letter.

If TeleSpectra begins providing high-speed Internet services in Williams, the town will become a competitive market, said McHale.

Bill Morris of Tele-Digit, who provides telephone services for the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Williams, agreed with McHale.

Tele-Digit plans to offer similar services in the future. Any improvements offered by Tele-Digit would go through fiber optic lines, Morris said.

Other business

• Williams Clean & Beautiful has previously offered equipment such as rototillers and weed eaters to the public at no charge. A rototiller recently was destroyed when it fell off the back of a truck. Other equipment was lost to theft.

As a result, Clean & Beautiful will no longer lend equipment, said Lindie Rodgers, chamber board president.

• The Tourism/Promotion Com-mittee is in need of two new members. The committee will soon be re-vamping training programs for frontline staff in the hospitality industry, said Board Member Teresa Rodriguez.

• The Cool Country Cruise-In will be held in Williams Aug. 16-17. Sponsorships are still needed. Activities will include the Battle of the Bands, a sock hop, bubble gum blowing contests and a pancake breakfast Aug. 17 with award presentations following.


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