Article Tools

• 

Cisco Systems has announced a new public-private endeavor with OneCommunity, a local non-profit organization, to bring free outdoor Wi-Fi mesh services to Cleveland neighborhoods. This mesh network will provide residents with a "digital bridge" to access online education, healthcare, job placement and government services.

"Wi-Fi mesh is a great social equalizer in that it gives entire neighborhoods the ability to connect and communicate to otherwise unattainable resources," said Alan S. Cohen, senior director of mobility solutions at Cisco Systems. "Cisco is proud to be teaming with OneCommunity to help give the residents in these neighborhoods new opportunities to improve the way they live, work, learn and play."

The Digital Bridge project in Cleveland is a collaborative effort with OneCommunity, Sprint, Time Warner and Cisco Systems. Area residents, businesses and organizations will be able to access the Internet and use services provided by OneCommunity for free. For those without a computer, OneCommunity is working with local hospitals, libraries, churches and universities to provide residents with an on-ramp to this Digital Bridge project.

"We are excited to have Cisco help us build the digital bridge for our neighborhoods" said Scot Rourke, president of OneCommunity. "The many uses of a Wi-Fi mesh network go far beyond just improved Internet access. Soon, residents will be able to experience a variety of new services, such as remote healthcare management, which stands to have an immediate and positive impact on this community."