K’s Weblog

As I promised in last night’s post, I’m using Boston’s free Wi-Fi network to drop a quick email to the Mayors of both Burnaby and Vancouver.  The gist: Free Wi-Fi in urban centres is a great thing.  I decided to include a copy of the email on the blog for anyone who might be interested.

Good morning Your Worships,

I’m writing this letter to you from the city of Boston where I’m currently on vacation.  The subject of this letter is also the service which is allowing me to send it; Boston’s first open-Wi-Fi project.  The city has partnered with local companies to provide free Wi-Fi access to residents and visitors of the city’s Faneuil Marketplace.

I would like to promote the idea of starting up a open Wi-Fi project in the Lower Mainland.  With the pending influx of international visitors to the region, providing an easy way for them to stay connected to their families and report back on their adventures in BC would cast a brilliant light on our ability to embrace new technologies and the region’s vision for the future.

While covering the entire region in time for the Olympics is hardly a feasible option, placing the free access in some key locations around the region could be both cost-effective, and provide basic access to a large number of people.

A couple of examples would be:
- Key Olympic Venues (GM Place, Skating Ovals etc.)
- Library Square, Vancouver
- Robson Square, Vancouver
- Pacific Center, Vancouver
- Metrotown, Burnaby
- Deer Lake Park, Burnaby

I know there was talk about placing Wi-Fi access points in Vancouver a few years ago, in fact I believe it was mentioned on Mayor Sullivan’s blog.  With the  coming international attention on the city, I feel this would be an excellent opportunity to showcase the region’s growing technology sector and to make the Olympic and Paralympic games that much more accessible to the world.

Thank you,

Keith Murray

That’s it!  I’ll let everyone know if I hear back from either Mayor.  It’s really windy, and I’ve chosen an outdoor location.  Time to run!

Related Posts