In the absence of help from federal and state governments, small towns across the U.S.–and those who care about them–are stepping up to provide municipal broadband access. The latest report comes from Armory, Mississippi, where a private philanthropy is funding the construction of a metro-scale wireless network.This is really exciting news.
The Gilmore Foundation, a private philanthropy in Mississippi, plans to fund the construction and operation of a 13-square-mile metro Wi-Fi network in the city of Armory.
It’s encouraging and, at the same time, rather sad that local philanthropies and civic organizations are joining with municipal leaders to address the problems that the U.S. government has failed to address.
The Gilmore Foundation, a private not-for-profit grant making organization that serves northeast Mississippi, made the announcement today, saying it plans to work with ArmoryNet, a group of local officials, business and community leaders and educators to identify and enable applications for municipal services, such as public safety and communications for municipal employees in the field. Included in the announcement was also a plan to address the digital divide by making laptop computers available to every senior in the city high school.
The foundation’s executive director Danny Spreitler said in a press release “the AmoryNet vision extends far beyond simply providing wireless Internet access to the community. We will enable educational opportunities outside of the classroom. We will enable out-of-town grandparents to watch their grandchildren compete in sporting events.”
The first phase of the network which covers the city’s downtown was accepted last month and launched in conjunction with the city’s annual Railroad Festival celebrating its 1887 founding. The city provided visitors with free service on the network during the festival and treated users to streaming video of the celebration.
Phase 2 which is targeted for completion in July will extend service to about half of the city’s 13-square-mile area. Full city-wide completion is targeted for July, 2009.
The foundation is also providing for a fiber backbone throughout the city.
CSG Data Networks is working with Tropos Networks to provide systems integration, network design and network installation services.
Yes, it’s really a disgrace that there isn’t leadership at a national level for muni wireless. But while we wait for those folks to get a clue, there are more opportunties for grants and philanthropic support than many cities are probably aware.
If municipalities would focus heavily in their business planning on using their networks to improve heathcare delivery, education, community involvement in government and of course public safety, they will open a lot of doors for money for network initiatives. Then they can maintain control of the network while outsourcing its operations, and be able to achieve greater things with the network without tapping too much into public funds.