Supes Move on Wi-Fi Plan, But Will it Bridge Digital Divide?Paul Hogarthbyline‚ Jul. 12‚ 2007After Supervisor Aaron Peskin said he was willing to compromise on the Mayor’s Wi-Fi proposal, the Budget Committee met yesterday to assess the proposed contract with Earthlink to install antennas on utility poles throughout the City. At the meeting, Peskin said that Earthlink must agree to the following to get his support: (a) a shorter contract term, (b) the City’s “right of first refusal” after the contract ends, (c) faster free service, (c) stronger privacy controls, and (d) negotiate service standards now – rather than later. The last point is crucial, because the plan’s current standards have raised legitimate questions about whether it will truly address the digital divide. And Google – who will sub-contract with Earthlink to install the antennas – has a questionable track record when it comes to under-served communities. The above map shows Google’s new “Street View” feature that lets you zoom in on daily street activities in San Francisco. Notice that it currently does not include anything south of Cesar Chavez Avenue – including Bayview-Hunters Point and the Excelsior. |