County Broadband Initiative Launches Wireless Pilot Project

For immediate release: Date: January 10, 2008
Contact: Chuck Spalding Project Manager
(561) 355-4565

The Palm Beach County Wireless Task Force ended 2007 on a high note. In early December, a wireless network was installed in the Pleasant City neighborhood in West Palm Beach as part of a pilot project providing home-based Internet access to seven families.

The Task Force, established and chaired by County Commissioner Mary McCarty, includes representatives from Palm Beach County government, the County’s Department of Information Systems Services (ISS), the Palm Beach County School District, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach Community College, the South Florida Water Management District and the Palm Beach County Education Commission.

Recycled computers were obtained through the School District’s computer refurbishment program, the County’s ISS Department installed the wireless network equipment, Palm Beach Community College provided telephone help desk services and the Mentoring Center provided computer training. In addition, the School District is producing a documentary video about the Pleasant City wireless project.

The seven participating families are now able to access Palm Beach County School District resources including Edline, FCAT Explorer, SAT prep and other learning materials. Broadband access is not just for students. It provides adults with a wide range of opportunities including around-the-clock access to city and County services such as bus schedules, vehicle registration, licensing requirements, library resources and citizen complaints. In addition, job search and training information can easily be obtained online through local agencies such as the Workforce Alliance. The Internet also provides a rich source of information and services that are conveniently available from home.

The Task Force recently changed its name to the Palm Beach County Broadband Initiative to encourage the shared utilization of existing taxpayer-owned fiber optic network infrastructure as well as wireless technology. A primary goal of the collaborative is to narrow the gap between people who have resources and skills to effectively access and use information technology and the Internet, and those who do not.