What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is the wireless way to do networking. It is also known as 802.11 networking and wireless broadband. The big advantage of Wi-Fi is its simplicity. You can connect computers anywhere in your home or office without the need for wires. The computers connect to the network using radio signals, and computers can be up to 100 feet or so away from an actual radio.
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How does it work?
The radios used in Wi-Fi are not so different from the radios used in $5 walkie-talkies. They have the ability to transmit and receive. They have the ability to convert 1s and 0s into radio waves and then back into 1s and 0s. Because they are transmitting at much higher frequencies than a walkie-talkie, Wi-Fi radios can handle a lot more data per second. One of the best things about Wi-Fi is how simple it is. Many new laptops today already come with a Wi-Fi card built in.
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How does citywide Wi-Fi work?
Citywide Wi-Fi will work similar to “hotspots.” A hotspot is a connection point for a Wi-Fi network. It is a small box that is hardwired into the Internet. The box contains an 802.11 radio that can simultaneously talk to up to 100 or so laptops with compatible 802.11 network cards. There are many Wi-Fi hotspots now available in public places like restaurants, café’s, hotels, libraries and airports. Citywide Wi-Fi throughout Harlem will essentially give Harlemites a low-cost network that all of its residents can access throughout Harlem, and not just inside established business.
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How much will it cost to use Harlem’s Wi-Fi network?
Our goal is to make access free in certain public spaces in Harlem such as parks and common areas. We plan to work closely with those who will build the network to determine residential and small business access. We will have a discounted rate for very low-income and disadvantaged subscribers who reside in Harlem.
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How secure will the network be from hacking?
There are different levels of security that various municipalities are adopting but security can be as good as you need it to be. Given that some municipal wireless projects are for public spaces, such as parks or lunch eating spaces, those may not require as much security. For projects like Wireless Harlem more secure requirements will be adopted into the network.
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In the case of a blackout, similar to what occurred in New York in 2003, would the network still be functional?
Yes. During power outages or other disasters, the network would be available. The length of time very much depends on the backup batteries installed. Typically we’ve seen back-up of up to 4-8 hours being built in to the radios. And as we know this can make all the difference in reaching family and friends and getting to a safe place.
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Is there any research or evidence of negative health consequences related to a Wi-Fi network for cities?
No. Research indicates that wireless broadband is no more dangerous than any of our other modern conveniences and, in fact, many cordless phones today are more powerful than Wi-Fi signals. Some people have concerns about how frequent cell phone use can negatively affect someone’s health. While there’s no clear evidence of cell phones causing health problems, we feel it’s important to note that Wi-Fi devices operate at lower power levels than those of cell phones. This issue was well-researched in Philadelphia and other cities with municipal broadband projects and no problems have been found.
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How fast will the network be?
While the network will not deliver a guaranteed speed connection for each and every connection, the average service is estimated at 1 megabit per second (Mbps) which is typically DSL quality. Over time, we hope to raise connection speeds.
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What is Wireless Harlem Initiative?
Wireless Harlem Initiative is a community-based response to the growing digital divide that exists in communities around the country like Harlem. Our goal is to provide affordable wireless Internet access throughout Harlem, for its schools, churches, non-profit organizations, small businesses, etc.
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What about Harlem residents who do not own a laptop?
We realize that this will be an issue for many Harlemites. Our Wireless Harlem Initiative plans to partner with companies, other non-profits and community groups, to make sure that those without computers in the home can get them.
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What is the social impact of a Wireless Harlem?
With Wireless Harlem, the Harlem community can pioneer community-based ownership of broadband networks nationwide for low income communities and communities of color, and benefit from immense improvements over current phone services and expensive broadband access. The most important impact though is the cohesiveness and sense of community ownership that having a community-based broadband network will bring to Harlem.
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How is Wi-Fi related to phone service?
Today, inexpensive phone service is available through broadband. So, high phone bills from phone companies can be eliminated. All you need is a high-speed connection and you can connect your phone to the internet and receive similar quality services without the high costs. Wi-Fi can actually lower monthly bills for Harlem residents.
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What is the financial impact for the average person in Harlem?
There are estimates which indicate that Harlem residents currently spend at the very least $100 million a year for their telephone connection. With a Harlem-wide wireless internet network all residents could have access to broadband internet and telephone for less than half a million dollars a year.
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How much does the network cost to build and maintain?
The cost of such infrastructure, including both investment and annual maintenance, can be covered for well under half of what regular telephone service alone now costs in Harlem. While it costs anywhere between $2,000 - $3,000 to run fiber to households wireless broadband can be deployed for about $20 - $25 per household.
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Does this compete with cable or phone companies who offer Internet access?
While municipalities in many states are now forbidden by law to compete with telephone and cable companies, user ownership of networks by businesses, NGOs, and households is legal and widespread. The Harlem community can pioneer such legal ownership nationwide for low income communities, and benefit from immense improvements over traditional phone service.
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Aren’t DSL and Cable already available in most of the City? Why wireless?
Even in areas where DSL and Cable Internet access is available, the cost is too expensive for many residents and businesses. Also, DSL and Cable do not support portable and mobile usage of wireless computers, PDA’s and other devices, which is increasingly important for residents, businesses, government, tourists and travelers. Harlem needs a lower-cost and more responsive alternative to existing cable and telephone companies.
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How will Wireless Harlem meet the unique needs of each community?
Wireless Harlem Initiative will work with potential service providers to deploy a wireless network throughout this area in upper Manhattan; however various community/neighborhood groups will have the opportunity to customize its use for their community by delivering value added services, local Internet content, training programs, etc.
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When will the network be deployed?
Our goal is to have the network up and running throughout all of Harlem by spring 2007.
