New York has announced plans to expand free wireless internet connections into Central Park and other public places across the city. Officials estimate that the new system will be up and running by the summer and will attract thousands of outdoor computer users.
For the ever growing number of on-the-move New Yorkers addicted to laptops and PDAs, this is good news.
The city’s Parks Department says that by July there will be eight wireless hotspots offering coverage over much of Central Park, where thousands of office workers and tourists eat lunch or relax away from the mayhem of Manhattan.
New York has already rolled out free wireless connection in other selected areas, including Bryant Park in mid-town and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, and eventually all major parks in the city will offer coverage.
It is all paid for by corporate sponsorship.
Overdue.
I realize it’s important for the US to be competitive and all. But is this really more important than good schools, affordable housing, etc.?
#1: “But is this really more important than good schools, affordable housing, etc.?”
No, but “corporate sponsorship” of schools and affordable housing is a tougher sell, in terms of return on investment – let alone public opinion about advertising in schools.
If it’s all paid by corporate sponsorship, it’s not taking tax money away from good schools, affordable housing, etc.
It’s a great idea in theory, but let’s look at this realistically with the climate of the world today. As the bit mentioned, lots of people take their lunch breaks in the park. If they take their computers with them (which I hope to God they have the sense NOT to do) then they’ll be expected to keep online and on call for their companies even on lunch breaks.
Nothing is free. The City is getting something out of this…
Next Headline:
Laptop Theft Ring Operating Out Of Central Park