Anderson & Associates began working with Dickenson County last fall to create a county-wide E-911 GIS system. As A&A worked on the program development end of the system, Mark Cvetnich, E-911 Director of Operations, was researching equipment and looking for places to locate radio towers for E-911 communications. During his research, he found that Dickenson County could build a wireless internet network that could carry much more data and be more useful for E-911 than a radio network alone.

On October 13, 2003, Congressman Rick Boucher made a special announcement at the formal launch of the Dickenson County Wireless Integrated Network (DCWIN). The DCWIN uses wireless fidelity technology (Wi-Fi) to run their E-911 service and deliver affordable high-speed wireless throughout the County. The network will also allow the E-911 system to have automatic vehicle location and live wireless mapping almost anywhere in the County. Dickenson County is the first county in the Commonwealth of Virginia to implement a county-wide wireless broadband service and is the first to use Wi-Fi for this purpose.

The development and successful implementation of the DCWIN opens many doors for development and boosts the County’s prominence as a location for technology-based jobs. Distance learning opportunities for education will be enhanced, and additional telemedicine sites will be established through the use of the wireless network. Even the popular internet site Travelocity.com now operates its online business in Dickenson County. With the availability of a high-speed wireless network and a workforce, this service now supports the County’s desire to be competitive in the global marketplace.

As recognized by Congressman Boucher at the formal launching, "we add another major asset to Dickenson County’s achievements and celebrate along with county residents, the arrival of an innovative and highly useful network that will improve the quality of life for residents of this region just as it helps to advance our economic needs."