News / Wi-Fi
Rochester students prepared a community Wi-Fi project in 2006
In August 2006, students in Rochester, New York were preparing a community wireless project intended to offer free Wi-Fi in selected parts of the city.
Building on physical access
The Rochester Digital Ripple project, assisted by the Rochester After School Academy, had arranged access to utility poles through Rochester Gas and Electric. That practical permission was central: a community network needs locations for equipment as much as it needs radios and enthusiasm.
A local plan, not a completed city service
The record said availability was planned for the end of that month and separately mentioned that the city was still considering its own network. The project should therefore be read as a 2006 local launch plan rather than proof of a completed or still-operating municipal service.