In North Philadelphia, Alex Wermer-Colan, the executive director of Philly Community Wireless, is spearheading an initiative aimed at providing free WiFi access to underserved communities.
The organization’s mission is clear: to create an extensive network that is shared among residents.
“We are trying to build a large-scale network that’s shared by the community,” Wermer-Colan states.
This innovative approach envisions a system where residents can connect to WiFi from their homes while seamlessly moving throughout their neighborhoods without losing connectivity.
What sets Philly Community Wireless apart from traditional WiFi providers is its focus on outdoor connectivity, addressing gaps typically ignored by standard internet services.
Unlike many companies that emphasize indoor internet services, Philly Community Wireless is committed to ensuring that local parks, community streets, and gardens have reliable free wireless networks.
Located in Norris Square Park, Philly Community Wireless has garnered significant support and success in its mission to provide essential WiFi services.
**The Logistics of Outdoor Connectivity**
One of the secrets to the organization’s success is its strategic collaboration with property owners near public spaces.
In order to effectively deliver service, the installation of equipment relies on a “line of sight” between the rooftops of nearby buildings.
As community outreach manager Leanne Przybylowski explains, this often necessitates gaining permission from building owners to install equipment on their rooftops.
She shared a notable example involving a local restaurateur who generously agreed to allow his building to extend WiFi coverage to the neighboring area.
“So he said yes to providing internet access for his neighbors and for this community in general,” Przybylowski recalled, highlighting the community spirit underlying the project.
Wermer-Colan emphasized the importance of collaboration among residents and mentioned how pleasantly surprised he is by the willingness of many to support these efforts.
Eugene Ryoo, a technician with the organization, commented on the technology’s modularity, stating that it’s easier to install than traditional internet cables.
“The footprint is very small,” Ryoo said, adding that the equipment can be easily dismantled if necessary, minimizing disruption to the local area.
Around Norris Square Park, various devices are strategically placed—some in third-story windows, while others are mounted on rooftops or gardens—working collectively to provide continuous WiFi coverage.
**Recognizing the Need for Outdoor WiFi**
In today’s digital age, having internet access is essential for education and work.
Przybylowski notes the significance of outdoor connectivity, stating, “I never thought about the internet as something that could spread between walls, but obviously it can.
Why would it be restricted by four walls?”
This perspective is vital for individuals who are homeless or lack stable housing, for whom outdoor WiFi may be their only means of connectivity.
Xena Stearos, coordinator for the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, underscores that outdoor internet access is particularly crucial for youth engaged in the organization’s after-school and summer programs.
She remarked, “I always think of it in terms of the youth we serve and the people who are working in our gardens.
Being able to look something up or contact someone can be essential if they don’t have regular cellular service.
**The Expansion and Future of the Program**
Philly Community Wireless has made significant strides piloting their program in Norris Square Park, where many residents qualify for free school lunch, highlighting the socioeconomic challenges faced by the community.
Andria Bibiloni, the executive director of the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, expressed optimism about the program’s potential for expansion, emphasizing how important it is for the community.
The program addresses critical needs, especially for seniors who might not have other internet access options.
Sascha Meinrath, the Palmer Chair in Telecommunications at Penn State University, stresses that internet access is about more than just convenience; it plays a crucial role in job applications, tax payments, and maintaining social connections.
He pointed out that the lack of connectivity can depreciate property values, indicating a broader economic impact on communities lacking internet access.
Meinrath warns that not having internet access leads to significant financial repercussions, noting possible yearly losses of around $1,500 for households without access.
Beyond improved connectivity, Philly Community Wireless is also focused on community wellness through technologies like the Purple Air Monitor, which tracks air quality and notifies residents when it’s safe to be outdoors.
These monitors are part of the growing Internet of Things (IoT), which provides real-time data on various conditions.
Additionally, Przybylowski highlighted the network’s inclusion of artistic elements, mentioning interactive exhibits wherein users can scan QR codes to access videos, thereby enriching community engagement through storytelling.
Despite the accomplishments, the demand for Philadelphia Community Wireless’ services often outpaces its ability to meet requests for coverage expansion.
Wermer-Colan acknowledged the challenge of scaling the initiative, stating, “Our biggest problem is actually the demand for this work and for this connectivity far outstrips our capacity to provide those services.”
Meinrath points out that the lack of resources remains a primary obstacle, emphasizing the slow pace at which federal and state governments are investing in necessary broadband infrastructure.
**Challenges and Legal Constraints**
Meinrath believes the U.S. is falling behind other industrialized nations that are actively bridging their digital divides, and he questioned why national policies have not followed suit.
He noted the lack of adequate data demonstrating the challenges faced by underserved communities, saying, “It’s very difficult to address a problem you don’t acknowledge as existing in the first place.”
According to 2019 data, 16% of Philadelphia households lacked any form of broadband access, indicating a critical need for such programs.
While the City has provided consistent support for Philly Community Wireless, Wermer-Colan identifies state laws as a significant hurdle.
He explained, “In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for the city to build a municipal internet network,” which complicates efforts to expand access further.
The existing law dates back to 2004 and has hindered competition with major telecommunications providers.
This legal framework stymies the establishment of streamlined public internet service initiatives in urban areas.
Wermer-Colan stressed the importance of additional phone service access, particularly emphasizing outdoor capabilities that traditional providers often overlook.
While companies like Verizon plan to install internet only inside park buildings, he believes outdoor access is essential, particularly in case of future public health crises.
“What if another pandemic happens and you can’t go inside the building?” he posed, underscoring the critical need for versatile internet solutions.
**The Road Ahead**
Looking to the future, both Philly Community Wireless and its community partners are optimistic about the potential for expansion beyond their current neighborhoods.
However, Wermer-Colan is realistic about the complexities involved in connecting multiple properties to create an outdoor WiFi network.
He explained that much of the effort involves negotiating with private property owners, which can be challenging given the limited number of rooftops available.
“We make some progress, but it’s not like they can give us access to 10 more properties,” he noted.
In an ideal scenario, Wermer-Colan believes the city could facilitate greater access to properties to increase the effectiveness of their network.
“Nobody owns more property distributed across the city in a consistent manner than the city,” he elaborated, emphasizing that their organization operates on a charitable model and cannot pay for real estate access.
If granted the opportunity to utilize city-owned parks and properties like the SEPTA Rail line, he believes it could transform the organization’s capability to serve the community.
Przybylowski added that at its core, Philly Community Wireless transcends mere technology.
“We’re building a community resource that can then facilitate other community resources,” she said, underscoring the initiative’s potential to enhance local engagement and investment in underserved neighborhoods lacking adequate internet access.
Through their ongoing efforts, Philly Community Wireless is not merely focused on technology but is committed to fostering strong community ties and improving quality of life for residents in North Philadelphia.
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