[UPDATE02] The Philly Phoenix: WiFi Rises from the Ashes.

I would say that a little bird told me; but, in fact, this has been developing for quite some time. New ownership of the Philadelphia wireless network will be announced today. From the community side of things, we're cautiously optimistic that the solution that's been reach will directly address local concerns and ensure the continuing viability of the project.

[UPDATE01] Looks like the rest of the media is finally catching on to the Philly resuscitation. Meanwhile, here's my recommendation for finding out more:

The Future of Philadelphia's Wireless Internet Initiative:
A Public Forum

When: Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Tuttleman Learning Center, Room 105,
Corner of 13th St. and Montgomery Ave. Temple University

Panelists Include:

• Mark Rupp, Principle, Boathouse Communications
• Beth McConnell, Executive Director, Media and Democracy Coalition
• Karl Garcia, Technical Staff, Google's Wireless network, Mountainview, Calif.
• Greg Goldman, CEO of Wireless Philadelphia
• Phuong Ninh, Philadelphia Student Union's Youth Leadership Team
• Bill Green, City Councilman-At Large
• Invited, representative from the Nutter administration

[UPDATE02] From the Media Mobilizing Project in Philly:

Media Mobilizing Project Statement on Change of Ownership of Philly WiFi System

MMP believes that change in ownership is an important step in realizing a vision of a new Philadelphia where everyone has access to the Internet. We are excited to work with the new ownership group. Currently many residents wait two to three hours at local libraries to get on the Internet for 30 minutes. But they wait because they severely need the service. They need the Internet to apply for jobs, apply to college, get vital information about health and their communities. They need the Internet to have the full set of rights which come along with the information based society in which we live.

Consequently, MMP believes that new ownership is a vital step but not a silver bullet in solving the problem that at least 25% of the population lives in poverty, 30% do not own a computer and less then 50% of residents have access to the Web. Therefore, we call on the Mayor and city hall to keep digital inclusion at the top of their agenda. At the same time, we believe it is vital that community groups and the many neighborhoods and people who comprise the fabric of the city, must work and envision how to make the Philly WiFi network not only a technological reality but a social, political and economic resource which compels a more just city. For this reason MMP and Temple University are co-hosting a forum on the future of Philly WiFi Wednesday night at 6:30 in room 105 of Tuttleman Learning Center. The forum will include members of the new owenrship group, Councilman Bill Green and others.

Media Mobilizing Project is a local organization devoted to the use of the Internet and other media as an organizing tool in low-income communities around the city. Media Mobilizing Project works with groups to utilize the media and communications in organizing campaigns while training community members in basic video, audio, web and computer skills. MMP has worked with Wireless Philadelphia getting folks within our network online, while also helping people acquire the tools and skills to access the Web.
In recent months we have been working to inspire community engagement to help keep the Philly WiFi network alive.

Media Mobilizing Project
4134 Lancaster Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.990.3702
mediamobilizing@gmail.com
www.mediamobilizing.org