Infographic This City Closed the Digital Divide With Secure, Public Wi-Fi

By Insight Editor / 15 Mar 2021 / Topics: Collaboration Customer experience

In this case study, Insight Cloud + Data Center Transformation helped a city close the digital divide and improve residential quality of life by building upon the city’s existing infrastructure.

Accessibility note: The infographic is transcribed below the graphic.

This City Closed the Digital Divide With Secure, Public Wi-Fi infographic as transcribed below

Hear more about this project. Learn how closing the digital divide improves the quality of life for residents — and transforms municipalities.

Transcript of Infographic

This City Closed the Digital Divide With Secure, Public Wi-Fi

Providing reliable Wi-Fi connectivity can help underserved community members unlock education and economic opportunities.

In a western U.S. city consisting of 538,000 residents, one in five live below the poverty line:

44,000 households are in poverty.
32,000 households have no reliable internet access.
Challenges from COVID-19 emphasized the need for better connectivity.

With $3.5 million in CARES Act funding, they had the funding to invest in infrastructure.

The goal: Give students better access to virtual schooling and enable families to work remotely.

Step-by-step process:

1. Go through the two-phased approach.

Insight Cloud + Data Center Transformation helped the city achieve greater connectivity by launching a comprehensive metropolitan Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) network.

Phase 1: Implementation over a 30–45 day schedule
- Surveys and design
- Cell construction
- Go-live
- Maintenance break/fix support
- Managed services
Phase 2: Expanding services
- Adding 7,000 more public Wi-Fi endpoints
- Employing devices across 50–70+ sites

2. Partner with other providers for a cost-effective solution.

Technology deliverables

JMA Wireless XRAN technology delivered software-based architecture that’s 5G-ready.
5,000 Sierra Wireless AirLink RV55 endpoints devices delivered additional reach to residential locations.
Geoverse solutions delivered remote monitoring and end-user network support.
Tilson pre-stages Internet of Things (IoT)-based gateways delivered support for an upcoming Smart City-based project.