COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Council Bluffs officials are celebrating the expansion of its public internet program and planning to spread free Wi-Fi throughout more of the city. The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil reports the effort’s second phase was unveiled Wednesday at a school athletic complex located in the 2 1/2-square-mile section of the city where people have free internet access.

At a news conference, students logged onto the internet to check their email and surf the web. The program is being offered through a collaboration of several organizations, including the city, school district, Iowa West Foundation and Google.

David Fringer, the school district’s chief technology officer, says organizers will expand the program in 10 phases, with the next implemented this fall. Private sponsors are paying the $850,000 cost of the first three phases.