End of an era, WSCC to end dial-up service

VICTORY TWP. – It’s the end of an era. As of Jan. 1, 2013, West Shore Community College will discontinue its free Internet dial-up service.

The college was the original dial-up Internet service provider (ISP) for the area and, for a number of years, provided it free of charge for students, faculty, and staff and for a minimal monthly fee for community members. Service began in the mid-1990s.
Students use the college’s website to enroll, register for classes and access other educational services related to their courses of study. But dial-up has proven to be inadequate technology for students to obtain full use of the college’s web-based services, a press release from the college stated.

“The service was initially designed to provide alternate access to the Internet because service provider choices were very limited,” said John Gerts, director of information technology. “Though this system has served us well, the use of the system has decreased significantly in recent years due to the increased availability of new ISP alternatives and greater speed.”

“While we recognize a few individuals will be impacted by this decision, we are trying to provide enough notice so they may look into finding an alternate means of Internet connectivity,” he added.

The college maintains wireless service in all of its buildings along with many computers with Internet access on the campus. Public libraries, in most communities, also offer high-speed Internet access and wireless service is increasingly available throughout the area.

The college also participates in a statewide partnership that is working to expand broadband Internet service to rural areas of the state.

Any questions concerning Internet connectivity may be directed to the college’s information technology department at 231-843-5570 or email Gerts atjkgerts@westshore.edu