Free Wi-Fi Internet access is now available in downtown Winslow, the successful completion of a joint project between the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce and the Kitsap Public Utility District.

It’s been a project long in the making.

Several years ago, the chamber approached KPUD with a request for assistance in providing free Wi-Fi Internet access to businesses, residents and visitors to downtown Winslow. KPUD analyzed the possibilities and began the search for a technology partner to help them install the necessary equipment. The first iteration of the program ran into technology challenges due to the exponential increase in the change of receiving devices which moved from just personal computers to include mobile devices of many kinds.

KPUD eventually chose to work with a new technology partner, Mobilisa, to help deal with the increased demand for data access.

The result of this work is the availability of “Community Wi-Fi.”

“Community Wi-Fi” is the Wi-Fi signal you can now locate on your computer, smart phone or tablet to gain free access to the Internet downtown. The signal is available to businesses located along Madison Avenue from the Pavilion to Bjune Drive and along Winslow Way from Winslow Green to the police station at Highway 305.

The complete map of signal coverage is available at www.bainbridgechamber.com.

The signal and service is free, however, it is not secure and users are advised against sending any personal information or conducting electronic financial transactions while using the signal.