Title
Authorizing Council's Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings on the feasibility of installing free and public Wi-Fi kiosks throughout the City.
Body
WHEREAS, High-speed Internet access is widely recognized as a necessity for full participation in today's society. Employers, educators, businesses, healthcare providers, and civic institutions expect people to have access to computers and broadband connectivity; and
WHEREAS Philadelphia has the third-worst broadband penetration rate of the top 25 largest cities in the United States. As a consequence, accessible, reliable, and affordable broadband service continues to be out of reach for thousands of City residents; and
WHEREAS, This gap in access to high-speed Internet and the lack of skills needed to use broadband-enabled tools continue to exacerbate issues of income inequality and basic fairness. Left unaddressed, millions of low-income Americans lack basic digital skills that will make them unqualified for well-paying jobs; and
WHEREAS, Public computing centers, which provide free PC and internet access to the community, increase computer literacy, education and digital citizenship among people in urban communities; and
WHEREAS, In February 2016 New York City launched the LinkNYC Program, which transforms old payphones into Wi-Fi kiosks, called "Links," to create the world's largest and fastest free public Wi-Fi network. Links provide a secure and private Wi-Fi network with a 150-foot radius, free domestic calling, two USB charging ports, a tablet for accessing the internet, and a red 911 button to contact emergency services. Overall, at least at 7,500 Links-and as many as 10,000-will be installed across the five boroughs, generating more than $500 million in ad revenue for the city; and
WHEREAS, Many of Philadelphia's existing digital inclusion programs coordinate themselves into the U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program pro...
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