An interesting article in today’s G+M, talking about a project in Winnipeg that levers the (relatively) low-cost of wireless internet access and the experience and reach of some local community groups.

Closing the digital divide in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG — One of Winnipeg’s poorest neighbourhoods is poised to become the city’s only high-tech wireless Internet corridor, offering free access to low-income people.Currently, there are hot spots associated with businesses throughout the city, but no neighbourhoods have joined the trend towards wireless Internet access.Point Douglas is on its way to becoming the first.

“The Point Douglas area is one of the lowest-income areas in the city,” said Rhonda McCorriston, Neeginan Institute of Applied Technology education director.

…

The Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg has already installed a wireless antenna on its building with the help of Smart Partners of Manitoba and the Computer Lending Library.

Smart Partners of Manitoba, a non-profit group that focuses on giving low-income people access to computer and Internet technology, plans to loan out 1,000 computers.

It’s really refreshing to see a partnership that seems to understand that narrowing the digital divide (nobody’s favorite phrase, but what can you do…) entails more than just “getting online”. That is, it’s also about providing access to hardware, support for online learning and use, and ensuring that programs are shaped to anticipate and address the specific needs of the community it serves.

The project partners with Smart Winnipeg and the Computer Lending Library (one of 3 Manitoba E-Association projects supported in part by a Microsoft grant)

I think this project is great for two reasons. First, they’re building a wireless network that will broadcast/cover an entire neighborhood. Cool. Second, it’s a thoughtful collaboration that stimulates public awareness and dialogue (i.e. the G+M article today!) about important issues. That is, projects like this remind the public that there is a very real need for these kinds of programs to exist; so many of us take it for granted that _everyone_ in “this day and age” has a laptop or computer, knows how to check email, and call their grandma using free SkypeOut. So it’s a technical win, and a social win.

It’s funny how Toronto is always so eager to assert itself to be at the fore of ‘leading edge innovations’ etc. (ahem, ICT Toronto) yet be so remiss about developing programs that are both technologically and socially progressive.

(The full article)Closing the digital divide in Winnipeg

Canadian Press
WINNIPEG — One of Winnipeg’s poorest neighbourhoods is poised to become the city’s only high-tech wireless Internet corridor, offering free access to low-income people.Currently, there are hot spots associated with businesses throughout the city, but no neighbourhoods have joined the trend towards wireless Internet access.

Point Douglas is on its way to becoming the first.

“The Point Douglas area is one of the lowest-income areas in the city,” said Rhonda McCorriston, Neeginan Institute of Applied Technology education director.

“The people in Point Douglas are the ones that most need Internet access to bridge the digital divide.”

The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to a digital world of computers and Internet technologies and those who don’t because of their economic status. Those who don’t have access can miss out on job and educational opportunities.

The Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg has already installed a wireless antenna on its building with the help of Smart Partners of Manitoba and the Computer Lending Library.

Smart Partners of Manitoba, a non-profit group that focuses on giving low-income people access to computer and Internet technology, plans to loan out 1,000 computers.

“We don’t want to compete with the private sector. These people can’t afford to purchase their own Internet access,” Smart Partners executive director Karen Keppler said.

The broadcast area for the antenna is quite small and will only transmit a few blocks around the Aboriginal Centre.

Plans are in the works to get two-thirds of the Point Douglas wireless network completed by August, with the rest to be finished in stages.

Setting up the network will cost an estimated $45,000, with little needed for monthly maintenance, Ms. Keppler said.