Exploring the Future of Broadband Access

The movement to build public community wireless networks in the United States and around the world has gained increasing support in the past couple of years, with organizations like the CUWin Foundation, Center for Community Informatics, Community Wireless, Free Networks, and NetEquality working to create access in areas where traditional DSL, cable, and fiber optic Internet services are not available.

Later this month, the CUWin Foundation and the Center for Community Informatics will host the International Summit for Community Wireless Networks from May 18-20. The meeting will include network developers, technology and policy experts, and community organizers working on both the physical and theoretical challenges of building low-cost broadband networks.

Ben Scott, policy director at Free Press, explains that "High-speed broadband access is the electricity of the 21st century, yet many rural and poorer urban communities are being left off the grid... The innovators and organizers at the International Summit for Community Wireless Networks are blazing the trail to make broadband affordable and available to everyone."

For those who are interested in furthering the discussion around public broadband wireless initiatives, registration for the conference is still open.