IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Iron Mountain residents and visitors can now enjoy enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the downtown area, just in time for the city’s annual Italian Fest. Thanks to a collaborative effort between Guide Star Cybersecurity and the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, the outdated system was recently upgraded to ensure reliable internet access for events and day-to-day use.
Jacob Griggs, Inside Sales Manager at Guide Star Cybersecurity, shared that the original Wi-Fi system, designed and implemented years ago, had been due for a replacement. “We worked on getting some replacement equipment at the site and got it installed with a sign letting people know about the Wi-Fi network. It’s crisp, it’s working great. If anybody has any issues, we’re certainly available to help as well,” Griggs said.
Guide Star Cybersecurity, a division of CCI Systems, has a strong commitment to supporting local businesses and communities in the Upper Peninsula. “We do a lot of work with local companies on their IT support working with them on cybersecurity, making sure they’re prepared for the threats of tomorrow, helping design the systems that are going to keep them and their businesses secure for the next 10-20 years,” Griggs explained.
Tim McCauley, Program Coordinator for the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, expressed gratitude for the upgrade. “We figured out late last year the Wi-Fi wasn’t working right, and thanks to our friends from Guide Star, the equipment was upgraded,” McCauley said. “The router and broadcaster antennas were replaced, and now the Wi-Fi covers the big parking lot areas, the festival space, City Hall, and the farmers market.”
The upgrade comes at a crucial time, as the city prepares for its Italian Fest this weekend, an event that celebrates Iron Mountain’s rich Italian heritage. McCauley emphasized the convenience the Wi-Fi provides for vendors and attendees alike. “For vendors taking credit card payments, it’s very handy. We use it for the festivals to accept credit card payments and so forth. And then other people just like to have access to the Internet,” he said.
The revitalized Wi-Fi is expected to enhance the experience of visitors to the festival, as well as other upcoming events, such as Oktoberfest on September 28. “We have more going on this year, and you can get all the info at downtownironmountain.com,” McCauley added.
With the new WI-FI system in place, Iron Mountain is ready to offer seamless connectivity to residents and visitors, ensuring that the downtown area remains a vibrant and connected community hub.
For more information about services offered or community initiatives by Guide Star, a Division of CCI Systems, visit:
The Iron Mountain DDA is asking visitors who need additional parking to get to Italian Fest to use the A Street parking lot, safely located near a cross-walk by City Hall. It is parking lot 71 on the map. For a link to the parking map, visit:
