Wired for Wireless Report
The Wireless Comparative Analysis and Best Practices Education Project was initiated in 2007 to provide reliable information to policymakers, community leaders, and industry about: (a) the experience with government-led wireless projects; and (b) best practices for Digital Inclusion within these projects. It was a collaborative effort among Community Partners, California Community Technology Policy Group (CCTPG), and Broadband Institute of California, funded by the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF). The Project sought to research multiple aspects of government-led wireless networks and to identify lessons learned along with opportunities and promising practices, particularly those that promote Digital Inclusion.
Internet Use Triples in Decade, Census Bureau Reports
The U.S. Census Bureau has released a report on the use of Internet in households and by individuals based on data from 1997 to 2007.
Press Release:
"New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that 62 percent of households reported using Internet access in the home in 2007, an increase from 18 percent in 1997, the first year the bureau collected data on Internet use. (See Table 1.)...
'As access to high speed connections have become more prevalent, so too have the number of people that connect to the Internet at home,' said Thom File, a statistician with the Census Bureau Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division. 'These data give us a better understanding of who is using the Internet and from where.'"
City of SF Allows Complaints Through Twitter
The City of San Francisco has launched a SF311 Twitter account that allows you to follow it and provide any complaints (i.e. report graffiti). The City of San Francisco can set a trend in this respect, paving the way for other towns in California and in the U.S.
Broadband Funds Resource
The Recovery.CA.GOV website has a section on how to apply for broadband stimulus funding. It is a great way to stay informed about current and upcoming broadband fund opportunities that are running through the state of California.
Recovery SF Website
A new website has been launched for the City of San Francisco to keep city citizens informed on how stimulus funds are spent:
“Today we face extraordinary challenges, but among those challenges is the risk of being consumed solely by the crisis at hand,” said Mayor Newsom. “We must continue to think strategically and continue to invest in the people, infrastructure and businesses that will pull our economy out of this decline.”
Digital Dashboard Will Track California Technology Projects
"In May [2009], California plans to unveil a Web-based dashboard that will let anyone track the progress of major state government technology projects.
The online tool will show if projects are on time and within budget, as well as track a series of other "vital signs" like user acceptance, political risk, technical viability and business value. Information will be updated monthly for the state's largest and most complex technology initiatives, said Adrian Farley, chief deputy director for policy and program management at California's Office of the Chief Information Officer."
Zero Divide Technology Haiku Contest
As a fun way to promote the use of social media and other technology tools in our communities, Zero Divide invites you to submit a technology themed Haiku on behalf of a nonprofit organization for a chance to win them a grant up to $2,000. Haiku’s may be submitted on three different platforms:
1. ZeroDivide Facebook Page – If you are on Facebook, please post your Haiku on our discussion board, http://tinyurl.com/ZD-discussion-board
Reform Groups Blast Telco-backed Broadband Mapper
"This fight started out as a scrap on the blogosphere and in various Federal Communications Commission proceedings. But now that the White House has authorized $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus bucks, the question of who will map out the nation's high speed Internet use has become an urgent public issue. On Monday over two dozen organizations very loudly identified one candidate who they don't want for the job: Connected Nation."
GIS Data for California Roads and Landmarks a Goal of Geospatial Officer
"California Geospatial Information Officer Michael Byrne, who was named to the newly created position on Wednesday, says one of his first priorities will be to create common GIS data sets of imagery, roads and landmarks of the state."
To read more please visit the Government Technology website.
Sprint to deploy WiMAX in 10 U.S. cities in 2009
"Sprint plans to deploy its WiMAX services to 10 major U.S. cities in 2009, with at least five additional major markets due to get services in 2010.
For 2009, Sprint plans to deploy services in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle. In 2010 the company expects to launch WiMAX services in Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C...."
To read more, please visit the Network World website.
