Wireless Harlem

Wireless Harlem http://www.wirelessharlem.org

The Wireless Harlem project intends to build a wireless mesh network to cover a portion of New York City (Harlem), which has a very high population density, and a population of approximately 225, 000 people. Currently, only 20-30% of residents have broadband. The project was initiated in 2005 and, hopes to have a network up and running throughout Harlem in 2007. The initiative is a community-based effort headed by a non-profit, Wireless Harlem. Wireless Harlem’s mission is to close the digital divide in the community, and, through this, to increase access to job opportunities, promote economic development, and close educational gaps. Ultimately, Wireless Harlem’s goal is to be a model that can be replicated in other communities throughout the US. It is an example of an urban wireless project that is community-wide rather than citywide.