NEW YORK—Come spring 95 blocks of Harlem will have free Wi-Fi.
The free outdoor network will run from 110th to 138th streets between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Madison Avenue.
“In 2013 being successful requires being connected,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said when he announced the network Dec. 10.
The project will be complete May 2014, and rolled out in three phases, benefiting 80,000 residents.
The initiative comes at a great time for the Harlem Business Alliance, which plans to host its first social media expo with Harlem Park to Park February 2014.
“For Harlem’s businesses it will bring greater opportunities to reach local customers via social media and mobile marketing,” said Christina Celuzza, social media manager for the Harlem Business Alliance, via email. “The Harlem Business Alliance plans to hold several free workshops at our co-working space to present the opportunities that Harlem’s free wifi network will bring to our local businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Bloomberg has been vocal about the city’s tech sector and extending Internet access during his time in office. In April, the city partnered with Transit Wireless to provide Wi-Fi in 30 subway stops.
The Fuhrman Family Foundation and the Mayor’s Fund are providing funding for the network, which will be managed by the city’s Technology Development Corporation and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
Phases
Phase One: 110th to 120th Street, between Madison Avenue & Frederick Douglass Blvd. Scheduled for completion in December 2013.
Phase Two: 121st to 126th Street, between Madison Avenue & Frederick Douglass Blvd. Scheduled for completion in February 2014.
Phase Three: 127th to 138th Street, between Madison Avenue & Frederick Douglass Blvd. Scheduled for completion in May 2014.
