Bloomberg Says Harlem To Get Nation’s Largest Public Wi-Fi Network
During his final weeks as New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg announced on Tuesday that Harlem will soon be getting the largest free public Wi-Fi network in the United States.
The network will extend for 95 blocks, and provide free wireless Internet to the neighborhood’s 80,000 residents, including 13,000 who live in public housing, along with businesses and visitors in the area.
The network will stretch from 110th to 138th Streets between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Madison Avenue, and will be rolled out in three phases, culminating next May. Five years of coverage are currently planned.
“Our new Harlem wireless network brings critical connectivity to residents and visitors, giving them 24/7 access to everything from education materials for kids, to information about Harlem’s rich history and attractions, to everyday needs like paying bills, checking library hours – or even just keeping tabs on the Knicks and Nets,” Mayor Bloomberg said.
The network was funded by a donation from the Fuhrman Family Foundation to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.
In addition to the phased Wi-Fi implementation, Harlem Children’s Zone will be increasing awareness and network use among Harlem residents, businesses, and visitors.
As part of this education and outreach process, Harlem Children’s Zone’s high school students are engaged in a contest to develop a name and logo for the network later this month. Additional details about the network rollout can be viewed here.
Source: http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1113025291/harlem-to-get-largest-public-wi-fi-network-in-us-121113/
