Suburban Ice-East Lansing, Suburban Training Center in Farmington Hills, Novi Ice
Arena and the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena are offering the latest arena amenity to
patrons who spend a fair amount of idle time off the ice, by offering them wireless
Internet access service throughout the facilities. The service is being launched in an
effort to allow customers to be productive—or at least entertained—while waiting for
skaters to complete their programs, practice or games. 

By joining the rapidly growing population of small businesses that are “Wi-Fi hot spots,” 
Suburban's arenas have done what comes naturally for a business of its kind, says
Novi Ice Arena General Manager Tom Zagacki.

“Our rink is home to many hockey players and figure skaters between the ages of five
and 15,” says Zagacki. “Any adult who juggles their kids schedules is familiar with long
hours at the rink, and given the number of professional parents in this area, being able
to work and be Online while waiting is a tremendous advantage.” 

With more than 10,000 public hot spots across the nation, wireless networks are taking
over public spaces, from hotel lobbies and restaurants to bookstores and coffee shops. 
Wireless computer networking allows computers and PDAs to send and receive Internet
data via a wireless network.  Users simply need a laptop or PDA, a wireless card, and a
subscription to the access point service provider at your specific location.

The arenas offer access points installed by Virginia-based Network Nation. To join the
wireless wave, patrons just need to have a wireless card installed on their computers.
When users opens their browsers, account access and sign-up information from Network
Nation will appear. Rates vary depending upon customer needs, and can be upgraded at
any time. Access is available for $3.00 for thirty minutes or unlimited access within a
24-hour time period for $4.99.  Users may also purchase monthly plans ranging from 300
and 500 minutes to unlimited use, with costs ranging from $9.99 to $24.99 per month. 

“We are happy to provide our customers with an affordable way to get on the Internet
while they are at our facilities,” says STC General Manager Geoff Bennetts. “We are
confident that this will be yet another benefit to for people whose children skate at
our rinks.”