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: Cyrus Tehrani, Chief Digital Officer, City of Hamilton
Additional Contributors: Charlie Mattina, Matt Thompson, Beasley Neighbourhood Association Members
Deliverables: Feasibility Study, Business Case, Prototype (physical), Design, Pilot
Project Start Date/ Availability: Winter 2021 (January-April)
Location: Ward 2
City Strategy Priority: Community Engagement and Participation, Economic Prosperity and Growth, Built Environment and Infrastructure
