A local Internet service provider will no longer be working with Mad City Broadband to provide wireless Internet access to the city of Madison.

According to Bryan Schenker, director of ResTech Services, Mad City Broadband terminated the contract. Schenker said he could not give a specific reason why the company decided to end the partnership, and Mad City Broadband did not return calls as of press time.

The contract's end, Schenker said, is not a bad development for his company, which also provides wireless Internet access to several large apartment buildings.

"From our perspective, ResTech would prefer to focus on our existing multiple-tenant Internet service," Schenker said. "We look forward to refocusing our time and effort on a side of our business that is growing very fast, which is our multiple-tenant business."

ResTech also provides wireless access to Madisonians who do not live in large apartment buildings. However, Schenker said this portion of business has slowed — the company at one point provided 2,000 wireless subscriptions, but now only provides about 700.

"The primary reason people cite is that they just cannot connect and they can't use the Wi-Fi network," Schenker said.

These subscribers will also be affected by the contract termination, but those living in large apartment complexes with ResTech services will not.

Although ResTech, in effect, provided wireless Internet access to the city of Madison, the company's contract was not through the city — only through Mad City Broadband.

When contacted by The Badger Herald, George Twigg, communications director for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said he could not comment on the contract termination, and did not know if the city would be taking an active part in finding a new Internet service provider.

Schenker said ResTech plans on giving notice of the cancelation this Friday. Those affected will have until the end of May to find a new Internet service provider.

"It won't affect students during finals," Schenker said. "They won't have to worry about what to do during that stressful time."