Harlem will soon become the United States’ largest free wireless zone. The now five-year-old plan being rolled out in three phases, eventually giving over 80,000 Harlem residents (13,000 public housing residents) access to the internet.
I feel that this is nothing short of incredible. WiFi or access to the internet is something so many of us take for granted today. Granted it isn’t fun paying the $50/month, but I would not have it any other way. Simply put, we are living in a world where you must have internet access. For better or for worse, we have reached a point where internet has become a basic human right. So much so that this WiFi hotspot is actually just compliance with U.N. law. Whether it’s our phones, pcs, tablets, watches, clocks, TVs, lights, or basically any other 21st century product, internet access has an important part to play.
Hopefully this pilot program can be expanded to cover the entire city. In a world where cities are in fierce competition for attracting young, smart, and talented citizens, the right to internet access would certainly build a competitive edge. Not only will individuals be attracted to a WiFi city, the very residents themselves would be guaranteed access to a tool used in every form of business, education, etc. today.
For the entire Gothamist article, click the link here.
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