OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Eddie A. Perez

Mayor

MAYOR PEREZ WORKS TO CLOSE THE “DIGITAL DIVIDE”:

INTRODUCES “WIRELESS HARTFORD”

---NEWS RELEASE---

(October 27, 2006)--- With the ceremonial “cutting of the cord,” Mayor Eddie A. Perez proudly proclaimed that “Wireless Hartford” is “officially live” in Downtown Hartford--- one of two pilot neighborhoods. The ceremony for the Blue Hill’s neighborhood will take place next week with the official opening of the computer depot.

The pilot project makes Hartford the largest municipally owned WiFi network open to the public in New England and one of the largest in the country. What is unique is that the Hartford system is the largest in the United States that provides free broadband access, training and low cost equipment to residents.

Mayor Perez says, “Only 25 percent of Hartford households have a working computer with Internet access. It is basically the other way around in the suburbs. We need to close this ‘digital divide’ in order to provide Hartford residents with 21^st Century access and information when it comes to jobs, health care, education, and overall communication.”

Mayor Perez goes on to say, “Whether you are in the park, at lunch or at home in these pilot neighborhoods, all you have to do is log on and you’re connected. This is a positive and powerful informational tool for families, employees, and visitors alike.”

Also on hand for the announcement was Gerald Baseel, IBM Client Executive for IBM’s Public Sector Industry. IBM assisted the City in developing a sustaining Business Model to support and maintain the wireless network.

Mr. Baseel says, “IBM is proud to be in partnership with the City of Hartford to help the Mayor’s initiative to provide wireless Internet access for its residents, small businesses, and patrons of Hartford. We are delighted to have been selected by the City to develop ‘Wireless Hartford’ and help foster economic development and growth for the City.”

Speaking to CL & P’s contributions to the project, Bob Coates, Director, Central Division Operations says, “Connecticut Light and Power is very pleased to have worked with the City to make this initiative a reality. It is cooperatives efforts like this that help make this area so attractive to businesses and families.”

Here’s how “Wireless Hartford” works: Any Hartford resident can log on with a wireless computer in the pilot neighborhoods. Right now, it’s free for residents after they create an account. Starting at the end of 1/07, households will have 20 hours a month of free wireless access in the targeted areas. For unlimited use, households will pay no more than $20 a month. The initiative will expand city wide as more funding becomes available.

For more information on “Wireless Hartford”, please call 311 or from a cell or computer-activated phone, please dial 757-9311. For more information on the Mayor’s role, please contact Sarah Barr, Director of Communications, at (860) 522-4888 x6217.