"In the 21st century economy, everyone needs to have access to computer technology to succeed in life. Computer literacy is a fundamental skill in the modern world," Chicago's Mayor Daley said at a news conference last week at Al Raby School for Community and Environment. The Mayor announced a plan to provide very affordable, or even free, broadband service to all Chicagoans with the help of a willing partner. Chicago is issuing a four-month Request for Proposals (RFP) from the private sector to provide Internet access throughout the city.
"We're fortunate that the United States has some of the most advanced computer technology in the world. The problem is, not everyone has access to it," noted Daley, "In technology, as in too many other areas of our society, there's a wide gap between the haves and have-nots. It's known as the digital divide, and the people on the wrong side of the divide generally have lower incomes and less education." A press release from the Mayor's office estimates that even though Internet use has been on the rise among most Americans, 80 percent of households with incomes below $50,000 remain unconnected.
Mayor Daley sees this move as a natural progression for Chicago, mentioning that the City has been a leader in offering wireless Internet availability at the Daley Center, the Cultural Center, and in every branch of the Chicago Public Library. Having wireless service in select enclaves is one thing, but providing inexpensive (or free) wireless to "every neighborhood" as Mayor Daley envisions, in a city as large as Chicago "has never been done before in America."
Tackling the City-Wide Chicago Wi-Fi Hurdle
IEEE 802.11 (or Wi-Fi) equipment was originally designed for single-user applications like a wireless laptop, but over the last few years Wi-Fi has expanded its profile, servicing small wireless community networks. The technology that carries the signal has been used specifically in places where the Internet was either unavailable, too expensive, or for exclusive convenience in a select location like a wireless café. With Wi-Fi equipment, these locations (sometimes called hotspots) give users in the area free wireless access. Since Wi-Fi operates in an unlicensed band of spectrum, the only cost is in the equipment needed to set it up.
But regardless of the type of locale, this type of network has since been confined to a relatively small area. Recent experiments with Wi-Fi in a larger area, notably Tempe, Arizona and St. Cloud, Florida, resulted in problems where contractors found that they needed many more access points to provide the wide berth of wireless coverage, increasing cost and inconvenience. The Wi-Fi signal, it seems, was just not strong enough to cover a city-wide area without many added stations to carry the transmission.
But new software developments are prompting large cities to take another look. In addition to Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco have also expressed interest in a similar project toward pioneering a city-wide Wi-Fi network.
In May, Wavion, a San Jose-based company, announced a software and silicon development that effectively strengthens the Wi-Fi signal, resulting in fewer stations to cover a wide area. While plans for Chicago's network will be left up to the winning bidder, recent breakthroughs like those at Wavion and others are what make Daley's plan a real technological possibility.
Another concern that has kept cities from building a city-wide network has been the resistance of phone and cable companies who've argued that such a network would be unfair competition to their broadband service. Aggressive lobbying by these companies resulted in several states, including Colorado, Florida and Pennsylvania, passing laws that forbid such networks. However, a bill passed in late April by the House Energy and Commerce Committee overrides these state restrictions, and prevents similar legislation from being enacted, paving the way for city-wide Wi-Fi.
Local Wi-Fi Solutions
"The real benefit of a technology is how it serves society as a whole, not just the wealthy or the techie whose laptop and latest gadgets can get them a signal anytime they're within sight of a Starbucks," said Chicago Alderman Margaret Laurino in an open statement last week.
Aldermen Laurino of the 39th Ward, along with Edward M. Burke of the 14th, had previously held public hearings on the possibility of a city-wide network which resulted in the RFP invitation that Daley has offered. The opportunity grants the winning bidder long term access to the City's infrastructure—use of street lights and lamp poles for mounting antennas—while paying the City a monthly fee to use it.
The contractor would also be required to participate in a City technology promoting program. In addition to agreeing to keep rates low, Daley insists that this "partner" make a financial commitment to the people of Chicago in providing affordable computers and computer training programs.
While a Chicago Wi-Fi network would certainly be an achievement in itself, the Mayor's plan covers more than just wireless access. Daley offered $250,000 in grants to inspire community groups to generate ideas in making technology accessible to all Chicagoans. In addition, an advisory council— chaired by Julia Stasch, Vice President of the Program on Human and Community Development of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation—will recommend ways to use technology to improve classroom learning and to connect Chicago's poor and working families to broader economic and educational opportunities.
"When we make modern computer and Internet technology available across Chicago, we are giving every person in Chicago the same chance for a good life," Daley said. "We're improving our children's education. We're working to end poverty. We're creating a more modern, sophisticated workforce. And, most important, we're creating hope and opportunity."
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