Teen creates HI-FI 'hotspots' in downtown Cadillac

CADILLAC - Summer is a busy time for teenagers and for 15-year-old Eric Wotila, there just aren't enough hours in the day.

Last year Eric spent his summer directing and filming his first movie.

This year he came up with a new project, setting up downtown Cadillac with wireless hotspots so there's free Internet access anywhere in town.

We're talking wireless technology, wireless Internet hot spots, WI-FI, Internet access on the go - just like in airports and downtown Chicago. In fact, that's where the idea for Connected Cadillac first took hold.

Last spring Eric went to the Apple store on Michigan Avenue, his Mecca to check out the latest computer products and technology.

"I was sitting there for a presentation on video editing," he said, "and at the same time I was on the Internet checking other things." When he crossed the street for his Starbucks Coffee break - and went online there for six bucks - he had an eureka moment.

"I thought, 'wow - I could be online anywhere on this block.' I thought that was really cool."

Returning to Cadillac he pushed the experience to the back of his mind. Wireless hotspots, he concluded, were big city perks.

Then an article on the Internet grabbed his attention. He read about a project in Oregon where people created hot spots in their homes by re-rigging an old TV satellite van.

Two days later Eric had his theme and logo, his Web site (www.connectedcadillac.tk) and his mission: to enlist downtown sponsors to set up hotspots around Cadillac.

"Connected Cadillac is non-profit," Eric said. "I don't call anyone clients. They are my wireless sponsors. I'm just trying to give free Internet to anyone who comes to Cadillac."

"I'm personally always on the Internet so I like to go on the net wherever I am."

So far two downtown businesses have paid the $50 fee to create wireless internet hotspots, Cadillac News Center and Artzy Phartzies - and two more businesses have shown interest.

For information on Connected Cadillac, call 775-9632. CoreSoft Multimedia office hours are 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the back corner of the Cadillac Newscenter.

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