Not sure how this will actually affect AT hikers, as the article indicates, but interesting nonetheless.
This article is from trail angel George Fisher, who has delivered water and soda (and given his share of rides) to a nearby Trailhead for at least the past three years.
Jan
"fyi:
text on this site:
May 11, 2006
Hot Bland
BLAND, Va.
AP
From WHSV TV, Harrisonburg, Va.
Residents in Bland County are getting the
Internet for free.
Bland is the first locality in southwest Virginia – and one of
only three in the state – to offer wireless Internet access free
to its citizens.
The other two are the city of Fairfax and parts of Arlington
County.
County officials say the installation of the broadband service
is scheduled for completion tomorrow and downtown Bland will go
live on Thursday.
David Dillow is the chairman of the county’s economic
development authority. He says the service will be a valuable tool
to increase traffic to the downtown area and local business.
The free service should appeal to Appalachian Trail hikers*,
travelers passing through on Interstate 77 and professionals
visiting the county on business.
Officials say the cost of the initial phase was under 6-thousand
dollars.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)"
Jan LiteShoe