At Wi-Fi NOW we want to support Wi-Fi projects that make a difference. Right now, many folks are talking about ‘future’ public-private Wi-Fi partnerships, City Wi-Fi, etc. etc. – well, here are a few that are already here and that matter:
Eduroam/Govroam: This Wi-Fi network (run by Surfnet in the Netherlands) has 20 million users in 75 countries! Students and staff connect seamlessly to Wi-Fi from Canada to Japan. It’s a business for Surfnet – and a huge benefit to students all over the world. I’m suitably impressed. Eduroam’s service provider arm Surfnet will be speaking at Wi-Fi NOW – check the program item here.
Project Isizwe in Africa: I’ve mentioned them before – and they’re the best example of a real, working, meaningful public-private partnership for public City Wi-Fi. The project is providing free Wi-Fi in the capital of South Africa for thousands of users every day. It’s all government funded but it’s high value to the community, so the partnership really works. Have a look at what they’re doing here.
Wildfire 5G: Run by my good friend William Butte, this is a small masterpieceof community collaboration with utilities, schools, local businesses, etc. It’s a business for William (and a good one, soon!) but it’s making a difference to communities in Dalton, Georgia. Way to give Wi-Fi a good name! I’m hoping to get William (he’s already a Wi-Fi NOW Ambassador) to join us in Amsterdam.
Friendly WiFi: I just can’t see a single reason why kids should have access to Internet pornography while on public Wi-Fi. Hey, I love freedom of information, but I love my kids more. So I want to support the people making a service available to keep that from happening. Call me old fashioned. Friendly Wi-Fi is active in the UK and is also making inroads into the US. We need them all over. They’re not for everyone, but they’re an important option.
You get to meet Eduroam & Friendly WiFi at Wi-Fi NOW in Amsterdam this fall – and if we’re lucky, maybe Wildfire & Project Isizwe will join us too. Here’s the complete program. Join the community of #wifithatmatters today – check out the hashtag on Twitter.
