NYCwireless participated in this meeting with 3 representatives
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Posted 8/19/2004 4:39 AM
Supporters of community wireless networks gather By Jim Paul, Associated Press
URBANA, Ill. — Federal regulators are working on new rules governing use of the airwaves to give more people access to high-speed Internet and other wireless technologies, and advocates for free access want to be sure their concerns aren't ignored.
This weekend, community wireless network developers and technology experts from across the country plan to gather here for the first National Summit of Community Wireless Networks to share their ideas and plot strategy.
"Decisions are being made by policymakers (and) by regulators, and they're basing these decisions on specific information provided by major telecommunications firms. What's missing in this debate is the voice of communities, of local grass-roots groups of individual citizens," said Sascha Meinrath, an organizer of the summit and co-founder of a community wireless network in Urbana.
The meeting, to be held at the University of Illinois' new Seibel Center for Computer Science, will include workshops on the latest available technology, organizing networks and information on the policy discussions in Washington.
In May, the Federal Communications Commission voted to begin the lengthy rulemaking process to tap unused television airwaves to bring broadband technology to more people, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Television broadcasters have worried about interference, though FCC experts say technology exists to prevent it, while companies like Intel see the possibility of new spectrum for their next-generation wireless devices and have applauded the move.
Community wireless networks could benefit as well, but advocates fear being outmuscled by wealthy companies while the rules are being set.
"It won't be done by any one set of hands," said Jim Baller, a partner in a Washington law firm that specializes in helping community networks. "There are lots of ways we can work together and I think community networks are important" to achieving widespread broadband access.
Community networks like Urbana's are able to bring fast Internet service to entire neighborhoods in much the same way WiFi technology is used to spread an Internet connection around an office or cafe. In Urbana, dozens of homes with rooftop antennae create the wireless network that people within in range can tap into for free with the proper equipment.
The advocates want to assure similar free and unfettered wireless access when the new rules are finalized, expected this winter or spring.
They argue that expanding the unlicensed spectrum would substantially narrow the digital divide by empowering local governments, civic organizations, churches and schools to make high-speed computer access available to people who otherwise couldn't afford it, creating more educational and economic opportunities.
Organizers say the weekend meeting will generate ideas about what community networks need to do to become part of the policy discussion in Washington and how groups around the country can work with each other to build more and better networks.
"This weekend is really the first time ever that you will have technical people and the policy advocates in the same room at the same time, talking about issues they share in common," said Ben Scott, a policy analyst for Free Press, a national media reform group and co-sponsor of the conference.
"I think it has the potential to be really groundbreaking," he said.
The Community Wireless Networking Summit has a public Web site.
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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