Wired Philadelphia

Wired Philadelphia

A littleA little background…background…A littleA little background…background…» 6th largest city (7th poorest densely

populated).» Declaration of Independence.» Drafting of Constitution.» Once considered “one of nation’s

leading cities”.» 70’s - 90’s: economic/population

decline.» Consistently appears on worst ten lists

(crime, education, health).

Mayor’s Office of Mayor’s Office of Information ServicesInformation Services

Mayor’s Office of Mayor’s Office of Information ServicesInformation Services

» Early 2000’s, positive period.» Mayor creates new office of IS.» IS office gets attention.» IS Discovers: 40% of Philadelphia are

non-internet users.» Only 45% have internet access @

home.» 72% dial-up.» Office of IS suggests city create a Municipal

Wireless Network (MWN).

What is an MWN?What is an MWN?» Municipal Wireless Network is

basically a city-wide WIFI zone.» Uses “meshed” network of

wireless access points.» Many access points are located

outside on city-owned structures such as street lamp poles.

Arguments for MWNsArguments for MWNs» Private Enterprise doesn’t care

about the poor.» Local governments already

run municipal projects for citizens, why not MWNs?

» Already have a lot of assets you can use.

» Socioeconomic gain.

RISKS!RISKS!RISKS!RISKS!• High-technology ventures are considered “high risk”.

• Some people think that technology used for MWN isn’t robust enough to handle larger networks.

• The minute you obtain technology it’s obsolete.

• ISP’s don’t like the idea of local governments encroaching into “their” territory.

• Can we trust our local government not to screw it up?

• Powerful members of already established forms of communication (i.e.: TV, telephone companies, radio) don’t necessarily support MWNs.

Why do they care?Why do they care?» Why would a city like

Philadelphia care about about the population’s lack of connectivity?

» How do you feel about a local government getting involved in such a project?

» Why would it be advantageous to the city?

Creation of Wired Creation of Wired PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia

Creation of Wired Creation of Wired PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia

» Wired Philadelphia born in August, 2004.» Non-profit organization that partners with a

Private ISP.» Partners with Earthlink to create MWN.» Compromise:

» Free service to under privileged.» Free service in public areas.» Charge to local businesses» Low cost to local government & profitable to ISP