Malden gets wireless internet

After a year-and-a-half of waiting, Malden residents now have access to broadband internet. Working through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development department, Spokane, internet provider Wired or Wireless recently finished shooting a wireless broadband signal from Mica Peak to Malden.

“It’s been a while coming, but we’re grateful it’s here,” said Malden Mayor Ted Maxwell.

Wired or Wireless in August 2008 received a $671,000 grant from the USDA to link the town with broadband and set up a community computer center.

“Hopefully this connection allows them to draw in some more residents and can help pump some life into Malden,” said Chris Ballou, a representative of Wired or Wireless.

With high-speed connections, said Ballou, the town will be able to attract students with remote studies from EWU and WSU.

Construction began in October 2009, but was sidetracked by problems in permitting, construction and broadcast licensing, said Ballou.

The company used the grant money to purchase transmission towers to bounce a wireless internet single signal off towers located between Mica and Malden.

The community center has been finished and computers have been set up with an open house set for next Wednesday, March 2, at 5 p.m.

The community center is also the new home of the Malden library.

In addition to the community center, Wired or Wireless will provide internet service for free to the library, town hall and fire department.

As a requirement of the grant, connections for residents of Malden will be priced at half the company’s normal rate.