Philly to attempt wireless plan

RICH MAGDA GUEST WRITER

Wireless Philadelphia could have people surfing in the streets. The campaign to create a free, open-air wireless network spanning the city’s 135 square miles plans to deliver Internet service to over one million people, making it the strongest push for Internet accessibility among large cities.

The plan involves placing thousands of radio wave transmitters in traffic control devices and atop streetlamps to provide high-speed broadband connectivity at all points within city limits.

Philadelphia’s Mayor John Street and Chief Information Officer Dianah Neff are spearheading the campaign, working with an executive committee to generate financial plans and logistical solutions. According to Philly.gov, the executive committee will also work to establish a cooperative deal with private wireless Internet providers.

Street is optimistic about the role city-wide wireless connectivity will play in the future of Philadelphia. “Philadelphia hasn’t had a first in technology since the Univac,” he said in a recent news release. “Just like roads and transportation were keys to our past, a digital infrastructure and wireless technology are keys to our future.”

Current estimates put the

Being a swing state that holds 21 electoral votes, Pennsylvania is an imperative state for the candidates; with over 1 million registered voters in the city and the estimated 1.6 million potential voters in its surrounding counties, many political officials