Why Wi-Fi? An Educational Forum on Wireless in Philadelphia

Posted by on November 12, 2004

W H Y W I – F I ?
An Educational Forum on Wireless in Philadelphia
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Wednesday Nov. 17 at 7pm
Free Library of Philadelphia
Montgomery Auditorium
1901 Vine Street
Free and open to the public
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Earlier this fall the Mayor announced an ambitious plan to make Philadelphia the country’s first major city-wide internet “hotspot.” The City’s business plan is in development with initial build-out slated for summer 2005.

* What is Wi-Fi and what’s all the buzz about it?
* What are the possibilities and benefits?
* Is Wi-Fi a reasonable priority given the City’s tight finances?
* Can Wi-Fi help close the “Digital Divide” (or does it just expand access for those who already have it)?
* What is the best management model (municipal, non-profit, corporate, or some combination)?
* How can we ensure this plan meets its highest civic purpose?

Come learn more about Wi-Fi technology, how it’s used, and its potential to transform our city. Local and national tech and policy experts explore the goals and challenges of the proposed plan, present case studies and models, and discuss how it all fits within a larger national context. Followed by audience Q&A.

Speakers Include:
– Dianah Neff, Chief Information Officer, City of Philadelphia
– Mark Cooper, Consumer Federation of America
– David Farber, Carnegie Mellon University
– Harold Feld, Media Access Project
– Lorelie Narvaja, United Way of SE PA
– Antwuan Wallace, BCT Partners (New York)

The Mayor and private sector representatives (Verizon, T-Mobile and Comcast) have been invited.

Presented by Media Tank. Co-sponsored by CTCNet Delaware Valley, Institute for the Study of Civic Values, Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group, Philadelphia Community Access Coalition, Philadelphia Independent Film & Video Association, Prometheus Radio Project, and Scribe Video Center.

For more info: http://www.mediatank.org or 215.563.1100


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