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April 06, 2005
WirelessToronto: a community wireless network for Toronto
[THis is a forwarded email...]
The costs of deploying WiFi access points have dropped over the past few years, but commercial WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) are still trying to charge crazy rates for casual wireless Internet access. The same WISPs have been slow to deploy in Canada -- those hotspots that do exist are in areas obviously targeted at business users... the only ones who will pay their exorbitant rates.
Meanwhile, community wireless groups have emerged, attempting to fill the gaps by offering free wireless Internet access. Montreal's Ile Sans Fil has an impressive centrally-managed network of hotspots -- 30 to-date. In addition to offering Internet access, part of Ile Sans Fil's goal is to develop their hotspots' captive portal pages into a community resource -- for hotspot hosts to post information about upcoming events/exhibits/etc., but also for discussion, sharing of information, and the presentation of art projects. This initiative could have as -- or more -- important a role in the community as simple connectivity.
Toronto is sorely lacking a community wireless group; at the April Social Tech Brewing we'll discuss creating a group in Toronto which offers these services. Michael Lenczner from Ile Sans Fil will talk about the work that's been done in Montreal, and Gabe Sawhney will lead a discussion about approaches, models, and strategies for a community wireless group in Toronto.
So, please mark April 7th in your calendars! The event details are: 5:30 - 7PM @ The Centre for Social Innovation (the215.ca) 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 120 Just north of Queen on the east side of Spadina
Also, Please RSVP so we have enough chairs: phillip@communitybandwidth.ca
Social Tech Brewing: www.socialtechbrewing.org
Posted by jason at April 6, 2005 08:55 AM
Comments
wow... neat.
Posted by: Julia at April 9, 2005 01:03 PM
HEY! I happened to stumble upon your blog while searching for Dave Goulden's e-mail address so I could wish him a happy birthday. Hi! I bet you don't remember me. :-)
Posted by: Debbie at April 6, 2005 05:59 PM