New and expanded Wi-Fi is coming to Prairie Lodge.
The association has launched a major makeover of all Wi-Fi facilities in the building, and expects to unveil an updated system no later than early next year.
The project is being carried out by the Communications & IT Committee chaired by Bob Marcom, who presented the project to the board of directors October 21 and secured their approval by a 6-0 vote. The cost of the renovation is $11,400, which is a discounted price by the vendor, Marcom said, because two of the 12 new access points are being done free of charge.
“We did not seek competitive bids for this job, because we checked industry prices on this very specialized and highly technical equipment and approved the price offered by our trusted vendor, who also has served as our information technology consultant at Prairie Lodge for several years,” said Marcom.
The existing Wi-Fi system at Prairie Lodge is eight years old, Marcom said, and is no longer adequate or serviceable.
“We need to replace equipment at almost all access points, and in the process we have decided to add several new locations: the solarium, Jameson’s Restaurant and Pub, and some of the administrative offices in the lower level. Existing locations are in areas regularly used by residents – the social lounge, CAM and Welcome Desk areas, the atrium, Fountain View, and activity and card rooms.
“Right now, the staff and vendor personnel are doing initial wiring for the new areas and planning the changeover process,” Marcom said. “We should have the new system up and running within about two months.”
