By Rebecca Goldfine,Staff Writer

NORWAY – People may in the near future be able to sit on a bench downtown while sipping coffee and reading the newspaper online.

If all goes according to a local organization’s plan, Main Street could soon be covered by a wireless Internet access system, allowing people with laptops and hand-held devices to use the Internet without cables, outlets or perhaps even fees.

Norway Downtown Revitalization, a local group working to bring more culture and commerce to Main Street, is slated to receive a $10,000 technology grant from The Maine Downtown Center. The money would help pay for the downtown installation of a wireless Internet system – or Wi-Fi, which stands for Wireless Fidelity – said Roy Gedat, board president of the revitalization group.

Technology, particularly information technology, is increasingly viewed as a tool to help stimulate struggling economies in towns across the country. The Maine Downtown Center, which supports municipalities trying to pump life back into Main Streets, has earmarked $40,000 for creative economic initiatives in Norway, with a quarter of that specified for technology.

If the wireless system is set up, Norway would become one of the first Maine towns offering this service.

Downtown Ellsworth has a wide swath of public space where properly-equipped computers can connect to the Internet, but it comes with a price. Downeast.Net built this wireless zone, called a hot spot, offering Internet access mainly to tourists for the cost of $10 for 10 hours.

At the moment, while the idea is still in the planning phase, Gedat said he would like to make the Internet free downtown, but that it might be necessary to set it up as a subscriber service to pay for its operation.

Kurt Adams, chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, said a lot of towns are considering WiFi, and he expects to see many implementing it in the coming year.

“The interesting thing about this (Wireless Fidelity) phenomenon is it is partially a grass-roots endeavor, it is a municipal- or town-driven event,” he said. “It is so inexpensive to make a wireless network over a discrete downtown area.”

Gedat said wireless Internet would make Norway stand out in Maine. “Wireless Internet would bring attention to downtown Norway and give opportunities for businesses and visitors.” He also pointed out that the service would help bridge the digital divide, providing technology to people who cannot easily afford it.

Lori Allen, project manager of The Main Downtown Center, a branch of the private nonprofit Maine Development Foundation, said Norway’s WiFi plan would “boost the cool factor” of the town.

She said, “Technology is one way of bringing creative entrepreneurs downtown. Having WiFi capability gives a lot of businesses that Internet option.”

Gedat said many details need to be thought through, such as necessary equipment, possible local permits for antennas and financing the service over time.

According to Oxford Networks Chief Operating Officer Craig Gunderson, wireless technology requires a hub site with a large antenna that connects to the Internet.

The WiFi signal requires more antennas than a radio because the signal does not go as far, Adams said. The system requires a network of 4-inch antennas attached to the sides and roofs of buildings.

Gedat said he plans in the next few weeks to break down costs, consult with a technology expert and then bring the idea to town officials. He also will speak with landlords, merchants, and residents downtown to gauge their enthusiasm for the plan.

Gedat says he sees wireless Internet access in downtown Norway as a way to position the town for growth and development.

“We’re a community that is thinking about the future,” he said. “We’re not afraid of doing things that haven’t been tried before.”