Just wanted to fill everyone in about changes that are going on with Urban Wireless. We are going to be doing some equipment upgrades over the next few months.

What does this mean to you? Well, as we deploy the new equipment speeds and reliability will definately increase. Our node to node backhauls will be supporting up to 100Mb speeds without the per hop speed losses of our current system. Obviously we can’t support everyone going at 100Mb, but the capacity will be there.

Along with these upgrades comes a new management system for us as well. This will allow us to better control the network. You will be required to set up an account with us. It is very easy, free, and can be done right there while you are connecting. This also allows us to better communicate with our users. Currently, if we suspect someone is abusing the network, we can only ban them because we do not know who they are. This way we can communicate our concerns to you without banning.

We have started with a few places already and will begin going full blast in a few weeks. Plans are to start with indoor areas, then President Clinton Avenue, then the North Little Rock Riverfront, then up Main Street in NLR, and then the residential areas.

We will keep you up to date as things proceed.

We will be making some modifications to the network today which will cause some brief outages on the network. These modifications are in preparation to an upcoming upgrade on the network in the next few months – more on that later.

UPDATE – All went well!

In cooperation with Mason’s Deli in the Rivermarket, Urban Wireless has expanded coverage in the Rivermarket area.  So go down to the Rivermarket and search out some good on-line Visa and MasterCard deals on Urban Wireless.  But until you get your Visa or MasterCard in the mail, use your cash and enjoy some great sandwiches and BBQ at Mason’s

Urban Wireless will be rolling out a few minor upgrades over the course of the next few days so connections may jump around a small bit.

Because of Kharma Consulting’s move from 115 East Broadway to 3rd & Spring, we will be moving some equipment this morning which will impact a large portion of the network today. This will begin around 9 am and should be done by lunch.

For the next few days, Urban Wireless will be optimizing the network down Clinton Avenue. Slow downs and outages may occur during this time.

Just to let everyone know that if when you scan for networks, you see a lot more Urban Wireless SSIDs, we have made a change.

All nodes on the network used to display “Urban Wireless Free Wifi” and now they will display a different suffix for each node. For example, the node located inside of Big Whiskey’s will now show as “URBANWIRELESS BIG WHISKEYS”.

This change will allow you, and more importantly your laptop, to better choose which node to connect to. It also gives our venue partners a little more exposure.

Urban Wireless is expanding and we want to REALLY expand fast! How can you help? Tell your favorite bar, restaraunt, or any place else where you and others hang out and would love free wifi to get in touch with us.

There is no cost involved for the venue and of course none for their patrons. And, we’ll toss in a little free advertising just for joining our network.

Have them call Brian at Kharma Consulting at 371-0012 and we’ll rush right out.

Today and for the next week we are going to be experimenting with some new technology for serving the ads that sponsor your free wifi connection. You may experience happiness and the desire to sing!

One of the biggest changes today is that the ad bar at the top of your browser is going away this week and if things go as planned – PERMANENTLY! So, wish us luck.

Urban Wireless would like to welcome River City Gift Company to our Urban Wireless family. If you haven’t been there, you have to go check it out. A web review said…

“Walk into this dimly lit, wood floored store and you’ll instantly be overwhelmed by the scent of freshly ground coffee and exotic teas. Dozens of blends are available daily and in increments as small as 1/4 lb and are reasonably priced. Try the Razorback Roast, a fairly mild Costa Rican type blend. A wide variety of elegant coffee mugs, teapots and high-end espresso makers are also available.”