Research is still underway in Danbury about bringing free Wi-Fi to the downtown area.

During his State of the City address in December, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton proposed installing free Wi-Fi in the downtown area.  Coupled with that proposal is one to switch out the lights on Main Street to LED bulbs.  Boughton said at the time that it could cost up to $3 million to purchase the light poles from Eversource Energy, formerly Connecticut Light & Power.  He hopes the energy savings from the new bulbs will offset the cost of a new amenity.

Boughton noted that it would be too cost prohibitive to offer free Wi-Fi throughout the City, but that in targeted business corridors and the downtown revitalization zone makes sense.  He pointed to students at Naugatuck Valley Community College being able to use the signal, along with people waiting for restaurant reservations.

Boughton hopes the amenity will attract businesses to the area and be a draw for residents.

He says the City should have more solid information in the next 3 to 4 months.

Plainville, Connecticut is in the process of switching to LED and offering free Wi-Fi.