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Can Government Create Universal Internet Access? The Philadelphia Municipal Wireless Network Story
Location: USA
Abstract:
As the Internet becomes an increasingly indispensable component of the global economy, Internet access is an increasingly important arbiter of which societies and peoples will have access to the tools and information necessary to adequately exploit social, economic, and educational opportunities. However, due to various reasons, around the world certain geographical areas and populations lag behind others in terms of Internet access. A number of communities and governments around the world are actively seeking solutions to speed up the process of universal broadband Internet availability. One potential solution that is currently receiving extensive attention is the concept of municipal wireless networks (MWNs), which are defined as wireless Internet access networks created with active local leadership and involvement. However, MWNs are still an evolving concept, and there are a number of drivers and inhibitors that may accelerate or reduce their impact. In this report we describe the development of the Philadelphia MWN. In 2004, the city government of Philadelphia announced that it would seek to build an MWN to address the digital divide in the city. Despite considerable opposition and doubts about the project, by March 2007 a 15-squaremile proof of concept was completed and is available to use, and full implementation is expected in late 2007. The report describes how the project was organized around sequential stages that include goals, stakeholder expectations, policy, applications, technology, management, funding, and implementation. The case provides an example of government acting as a catalyst for the introduction of technology— with the intention of promoting social and economic change. The case also provides important lessons for municipalities and governments contemplating similar roles in developing MWNs. In the short term, MWN projects require a strong champion who can respond to different stakeholders and balance private and public demands, and identify the main application of the MWN. To sustain the MWN, municipalities should also understand the potential and danger of focusing only on the digital divide, and have a plan in place to respond to the many issues surrounding MWNs and the underlying technology.
Related Items:
• Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative
• Advance for Philly Wireless Network
• Community Wi-Fi Revival Meeting in Riverside Draws Hundreds
• Wireless Philadelphia: Varinia Robinson
• Digital Inclusion Roundtable: Government-Backed Initiatives / Urban Vs. Rural Inclusion
Website:
Practitioner Name: Abhijit Jain
Practitioner Tel: 906-227-2707
Practitioner E-mail: ajain@nmu.edu
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Vendor Name 1: IBM
Vendor Title 1: IBM
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