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On April 19, 2007, the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC), PRO 911 Systems and Tropos Networks launched a community Wi-Fi mesh network providing free Internet access for residences, businesses and visitors in Little Tokyo, part of the historic core of downtown Los Angeles. The Wi-Fi mesh employs a solution from Tropos and PRO 911 Systems.

The network provides the community with free Internet access where it has not been possible before, as well as a means for content distribution regarding news and programs benefiting the community. A number of select hot zones will be deployed in many of Little Tokyo’s public spaces.

“This important community and economic development project will provide Internet access and training to local residents and small businesses, while giving tourists and other visitors further incentive to come to Little Tokyo,” said Davis Park, director of community technology programs at the Little Tokyo Service Center. “But our wireless network also represents an important effort in promoting digital inclusion and providing to low-income residents the telecommunications access that many of us who are connected usually take for granted.”

“One of the benefits of the Tropos MetroMesh system in a community deployment with limited funds is the ability to design a network that has maximum performance now and maximum flexibility for future expansion,” said David Mitchell, president and CEO of PRO 911 Systems.

Little Tokyo is one of several areas of central Los Angeles’ historic core undergoing redevelopment and one of the first community-based initiatives of the CRA/LA projects to go live with a community wireless network. After a six-month free network demonstration period, the LTSC will evaluate the usage of the network and determine next steps necessary to sustain the service. The Little Tokyo project comes on the heels of the city’s recent announcement of plans for a citywide Wi-Fi network.

“Tropos MetroMesh systems provide cities and communities with affordable broadband access where it has not otherwise been possible,” said Ron Sege, president and CEO of Tropos Networks. “In partnership with the Little Tokyo Service Center, PRO 911 Systems and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles, we are pleased to provide such a valuable service to the community now and in the future as the network expands.”