Columbiana County going wireless?

SALEM — A rural county could become a garden spot for development and modern living under a new plan by the Columbiana County Port Authority.

The authority will move ahead with a plan to provide wireless internet service throughout the county. The move could revolutionize businesses and lifestyles, according to Tracy Drake, the authority’s chief executive officer. “We can provide it,” Drake said.

After meeting with local officials and community leaders who support the idea, Drake said the authority will move ahead. The port will apply for federal grants to pay about two-thirds of the estimated $5 million cost.

The port has fiber optic lines that can handle huge amounts of information. B-Telecom Inc. of Chardon, Ohio, is building a data-storage facility at the authority’s trade park in Leetonia. Drake said companies — local and others — and local residents could store their backup data at the facility.

For complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.