NYC Mayor Details Plans For Free Public WiFi In Harlem

The Mayor of New York is well known in the tech world, he’s put several plans in place to benefit the modern tech loving world, and it looks like he has one finally gift to give to the city before he stands down from his position at the end of the year. Mayor Mike Bloomberg has detailed his plans to launch a free WiFi network in Harlem, a network that will be capable of covering 95% of the neighborhood’s blocks!

This is obviously a massive win for local residents and businesses, for those who don’t have internet access this could be a big change in their quality of life as internet connections become more and more important to our daily lives. The new network will make it the largest continuous free outdoor public wireless network in the nation, providing 80,000 residents.

“Our new Harlem wireless network brings critical connectivity to residents and visitors, giving them 24/7 access to everything from education materials for kids, to information about Harlem’s rich history and attractions, to everyday needs like paying bills, checking library hours – or even just keeping tabs on the Knicks and Nets,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “In 2013 being successful requires being connected; thanks to the Fuhrman Family Foundation and the Mayor’s Fund, we are wiring nearly 100 blocks in Harlem and giving 80,000 New Yorkers another tool for success.”

It will take five years to roll out the network, but the first phases will be in May next year.

Thank you Engadget for providing us with this information.

Image courtesy of Engadget.