The Leader & Kalkaskan reports that Village WiFi plans are moving ahead in Kalkaska despite the fact that no bids to provide the service were received. As a result:

Traverse City-based Mitten Communications recommended the Authority pursue a business model described as “government-owned and privately operated.” Mitten Communications, owned by Traverse City’s Rob Franzo, was brought in to do a feasibility study for Wi-Fi in the village nearly a year ago and has since served the DDA as a source of consult throughout the project. After no bids came in, Mitten recommended Colorado-based Aspen Wireless be the company selected to construct the network.

“The DDA is leaning towards the privately-operated business model,” DDA president Dean Farrier said yesterday. “Which would mean doing a search for a qualified operator, an entity that would handle phone calls, repairs and maintenance, and setting up accounts. It would save us from having to hire a staff person who we don’t currently have.”

…The total projected cost for getting the Wi-Fi up and running , quoted to the DDA by Mitten at the June 15 meeting, is $95,500.

That price tag may carry some amount of sticker shock for some in light of current economic woes. But Farrier, and others, feel the network would eventually attract more dollars than the initial investment demands.

According to Farrier, wireless downtown will prove to be a valuable and even vital part of attracting and keeping business in Kalkaska. Those using the wireless that will be offered by Kalkaska can be targeted by area-specific advertisements, thus improving visits to local businesses. Local business owners themselves will also benefit from the wireless internet as will vacant lots and shops, where new businesses could be lured once the wireless service is up and running, Farrier said.

The next step is a public hearing that is scheduled for July 26.