Councilman Kevin J. Kelley, in coordination with the Jackson Administration, is preparing to launch a neighborhood wireless broadband network in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn community, which will be Ward 13 starting January 4, 2010.  The neighborhood wireless network will serve as a pilot program under the City of Cleveland’s Digital City of Choice Citywide IT Strategic Plan. 

Councilman Kelley, recognizing the importance of wireless access to the forward progress of the Old Brooklyn community and the City, worked with the Administration to bring this pilot program to his Ward.  Once successfully built, the wireless network will be available and easily accessible to anyone who lives, works or conducts business in Old Brooklyn for free. 

“Providing high-speed broadband internet access will greatly improve the quality of life for citizens of the City of Cleveland, encourage economic development and promote greater efficiency and cooperation in providing government services,” said Councilman Kelley.  “Furthermore, it will position our children for success and provide a competitive advantage to students and employers trying to compete in today’s market.”

The City is currently in the process of seeking proposals in order to deploy a Neighborhood Wireless Mesh Broadband Internet Network that will support the City of Cleveland’s Municipal Wireless Network Strategy for creating a stronger Digital Community of Choice for all Clevelanders.  The City’s partner in this project will need to design, construct, maintain, repair and be able to upgrade a wireless mesh broadband infrastructure.  The City hopes to learn from this pilot project so that the same free wireless access can eventually be provided to all Clevelanders.

“The opportunities related to wireless access range from the ability to compete in this knowledge-based economy to an increased ability to communicate for all ages to the ability to attract progressive companies that will in turn create a positive economic impact and thereby improve the quality of life in our community,” said Councilman Kelley.  “I am excited to provide Old Brooklyn with such opportunities.”