MuniWireless

Despite the still-uncertain status of EarthLink’s Wi-Fi network in its city, Wireless Philadelphia is scoring significant victories that bolster the strength of its digital inclusion programs. This week the organization received two grants totaling $79,500.

Grants from the Samuel Fels Foundation and the First Hospital Foundation will support two fascinating programs aimed at addressing the digital divide while they assist low-wealth families with other needed services.

The $29,500 Fels grant will support a collaborative effort with the Campaign for Working Families and…

The Ethos Group’s report, The Philadelphia Story: Learning from a Municipal Wireless Pioneer, has been posted on the New America Foundation’s web site. The report is stirring debate and will continue to as the discussion of life-after-EarthLink moves forward. That should put it–and challenges to it–at the top of muni officials’ holiday reading list.The Ethos Group’s report, The Philadelphia Story: Learning from a Municipal Wireless Pioneer, has been posted on the New America Foundation’s web site. The report is stirring…

There’s still no word from EarthLink on the future of Philadelphia’s wireless broadband network. The company failed to show up for a hearing in Philadelphia yesterday that was called, in large part, to discuss the company’s announcement that it would make no more significant investments in muni wireless projects.There’s still no word from EarthLink on the future of Philadelphia’s wireless broadband network. The company did not attend a hearing in Philadelphia yesterday that was called, in large part, to discuss…

From the start, Philadelphia has been both cursed and blessed with the scrutiny that comes with having had the first major deployment of a municipal Wi-Fi network. Wireless Philadelphia, the not-for-profit group heading the effort, found itself back in the hot seat today as critics on all sides lined up to assess its performance. From the start, Philadelphia has been both cursed and blessed with the scrutiny that comes with having had the first major deployment of a municipal Wi-Fi…

Wireless Philadelphia is delivering on its promise to bridge the digital divide. Low-income city residents began receiving free computers and Internet service last month and 95 more are expected to be distributed before fall.Wireless Philadelphia is delivering on its promise to bridge the digital divide. Low-income city residents began receiving free computers and Internet service last month and 95 more are expected to be distributed before fall.

The distribution is being managed as part of a welfare-to-work program financed through The…

Wireless Philadelphia has approved EarthLink’s 15 square mile proof-of-concept test zone in North Philly. The full 135 square mile deployment is targeted for completion in the third quarter of this year.Wireless Philadelphia has approved EarthLink’s 15 square mile proof-of-concept test zone in North Philly. The full 135 square mile deployment is targeted for completion in the third quarter.

Philadelphia announced plans for the network in 2005. It’s good to see the network nearing completion. I’d like to see faster speeds than…