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Connected: Center for Neighborhood Technology

Center for Neighborhood Technology

The Center for Neighborhood Technology, a nonprofit organization founded in 1978 that promotes livable, sustainable communities; began developing the Wireless Community Networks project in 2002.

This exciting new project has been developed to bring the benefits of the Internet to people who otherwise might not be able to afford access to this important technology.

The Center wanted to empower communities by creating wireless community networks that can deliver low-cost, high-speed broadband access to homes, small businesses and community-based institutions.

Today, these networks are being tested in four communities throughout Illinois:  Chicago's Pilsen and Lawndale neighborhoods; Elgin, a suburban community forty miles northwest of Chicago; and in West Frankfort, a former coal mining town in Southern Illinois.  

By the end of 2005, nearly 700 households will be online as a result of this project, with many of those residents who didn’t previously have a computer provided one.  This project represents a new, community based strategy to help close the digital divide by offering more residents the educational and economic opportunities the Internet provides.

The Center is using wireless technology to accomplish their goals.  They use a system known as “mesh network model.”  As more people use it, and set up the equipment, the network becomes stronger.  The networks draw on the existing infrastructures – such as community technology centers, community-based organizations, schools, and churches – and existing resources – such as technical assistance and training, job skill development, job placement, and education – to deliver broadband signal and services and opportunities. More people can engage and participate in society – economically, civically, and educationally.

The Center for Neighborhood Technology envisions wireless networks as an individual and collective asset-building strategy.

Center for Neighborhood Technology's Keys to Success:

Define the Problem!

  • Describe how the project will help underserved communities.
  • Identify how the network can be used to make things more efficient on the local level.
  • Figure out how the network be used to increase civic participation.
  • Turn the innovations into revenue.

Do it on the cheap!

  • Open source software is free.
  • Use outdated laptops as transmitters. 
  • Seek donations from corporations. 
  • Start small, it will grow.

Work Together!

  • Use the talents of others.  Find tech geeks, content providers, entrepreneurs, business planners, activists, teachers, and students.
  • Find others in your area starting a wireless network.
  • Combine buying power with other groups to get better rates with service providers and equipment vendors.
  • Organize groups to voice the need for community choice in determining communication tools.
  • Share your experiences with other groups across the country.

The Idea:

  • Tested WiFi technology in the field to determine if it could be used to connect households on a community level inexpensively.
  • Surveyed potential users in multiple low income communities to determine demand for broadband and its applications.

Making the Case:

  • Reviewed demographic data and research on the digital divide to supplement locally distributed surveys to establish areas where there was still lack of access and other necessary tools to engage in the information age.
  • Built upon existing partnerships with community organizations with a technology focus and a vision of using innovative tools to expand services and more.
  • Applied for funding from government sources and private foundations.
  • Solicited corporations, foundations and area organizations for gently used, retired hardware that could be refurbished.

STARTING TO BUILD:

  • Conducted more intensive testing of technology and started exploring open source software solution.
  • Hired and trained community-based staff at partner’s sites to carry out outreach to users and provide technical assistance.
  • Work with vendors and contractors to plan and install network infrastructure.
  • Held volunteer sessions with community organizations and residents on computer and Internet basics as well as workshops on assembling network infrastructure (for example, they threw partied to build the equipment and lesons on how to install it).
  • Continued to develop critical partnerships for content, technical support, advanced training, job placement, resource development, volunteers, ongoing research and testing to keep technology fresh.

The Project Today:

  • More than 125 participants connecting to the wireless community networks.
  • Plans to connect 700 participants by the end of 2005.
  • Established an Advisory Committee to assist with network sustainability and growth. 
  • More than 50 equipment stations (nodes) have been deployed.
  • The network is being used for distance learning, ordering groceries, honing job skills, researching school projects, online banking, blogging, creating content and developing community media such as a community-based online radio station.

Visit the Wireless Community Networks website!

 

Visit the Center for Neighborhood Technology Partners:

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