How can we reduce the digital divide in the Beasley Neighbourhood by creating a community wi-fi program?
Project Description:
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the digital divide that many communities face as school, work, and socializing have become increasingly reliant on access to the internet. Even in urban neighbourhoods where there are plentiful options for connectivity, often the barrier that residents face is affordability of internet services as they must choose between food, rent, or internet access. The Beasley Neighbourhood Association in Hamilton is looking to establish a Neighbourhood Community Wi-Fi program that will not only provide connectivity but also provide skills and career pathways for residents in technology related fields. In collaboration with the City of Hamilton’s Digital Office, the Beasley Neighbourhood Association is looking for partners to help develop this community initiative.
Resources:
Red Hook WiFi: The Impact of Free Community Internet video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=699cjhLMERk
Meet the People Building their own Internet in Detroit video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B0u6nvcTsI
Hack for the homeless: A humanitarian technology hackathon https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6970341
City Staff: Matt Thompson, BNA Member and project lead, Charlie Mattina, BNA Member, Cyrus Tehrani, Chief Digital Officer, City of Hamilton
Faculty, Course & Students: Jim Vanderwoerd, Redeemer University, Capstone 410A, 4-5 students
Where will the work go and what will it be used for: This project will help inform options, costing and feasibility for expanding Wi-Fi accessibility to public spaces in the City of Hamilton. It can also help inform training and technology related career pathways and what types of delivery methods are valid. Lastly it may also help inform public space utilization and how wi-fi accessibility could impact public spaces utilization.
Deliverables: To be developed in consultation with student group, stakeholders, and city staff
