City Unveils Ambitious Broadband Plan
By aaroncynic in News on Sep 24, 2012 8:40PM
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan today to hopefully bring free broadband service to city parks and other public spaces, as well as provide access to underserved areas. Mayor Richard M. Daley attempted a plan like this in 2009, but he didn't have much luck. Emanuel said in a press release, “Chicago will be one of the most connected cities in the world” with what the city has dubbed the “Chicago Broadband Challenge.”
The city says the three-fold plan would:
- Build a “world class broadband infrastructure for the city.”
- Extend broadband service into underserved areas.
- Provide free Wi-Fi access in public spaces throughout the city.
The city says first part of the plan is to establish networks in what are described as “key innovation areas,” which are in commercial and industrial sections of the city. Then the city would work with private companies to ensure low cost broadband is available. Eventually, that would be extended to all businesses in the city. It sounds a little like trickle-down web-onomics.
The city asked private companies and universities for help in creating the network, and the Chicago Broadband Challenge says that individuals, companies, students and non-profit organizations are welcome to respond to the proposal via its website or as part of formal responses to the Request For Information. Chicago’s Chief Technology Officer John Tolva said, “By asking for public input and using it to design the best possible system, we’ll insure that Chicago’s broadband infrastructure is not only the fastest in the country, but the best suited to create jobs and drive our economy forward in the 21st century.”