By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-857886.mp3
Albany, NY – The City of Albany is one step closer to citywide free internet access... Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Since 2006 Albany FreeNet has been providing high-speed wireless Web access available in hot spots downtown for an hour a day. Mayor Jerry Jennings announced that Albany FreeNet is being expanded, thanks to a 625-thousand dollar grant. Grant Money will be used to get Albany FreeNet service up and running in neighborhoods where internet adoption rates are lowest: Arbor Hill, West Hill, the South End and all along Delaware Avenue.
Albany FreeNet will more than double its number of wireless access points within the city, while removing the services' 1-hour per day cap, allowing users free access 24/7. Grant money will also fund digital literacy training programs, virtual workforce development programming and provide highly subsidized desktop computers for those who cannot afford them.