MISSION
Wireless Ypsi is a community collective dedicated to bringing free broadband internet access to Ypsilanti.
Wireless Ypsi's mission is to begin bridging the digital divide and help everyone gain access to technology and the internet. By leveraging Ypsilanti's community infrastructure, Wireless Ypsi will be able to partner with businesses, community organizations, as well as individuals in order to help further this goal.
OBJECTIVE
Wireless Ypsi is using an affordable way to implement a scalable network that could potentially service the nearly 20,000 residents of Ypsilanti. The network is a built on a sustainable model that will allow for relatively simple maintenance and encourage its expansion and growth. By using the cost-effective Meraki network technology, the system applies the latest wireless mesh networks that share high-speed internet bandwidth.
Wireless Ypsi will use its resources to execute this model throughout Ypsilanti, Michigan.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Wireless Ypsi can:
- create a richer sense of community in Ypsilanti by encouraging groups to work toward a common goal
- be an economic development tool that can be used to attract and retain business
- create the wireless infrastructure needed to attract and retain young professionals
- reduce the digital divide and help everyone gain access to high-speed broadband service
- facilitate wireless technology use for citizens and visitors
- create a wireless broadband network without being a burden on taxpayers
The most efficient way for families and individuals to obtain financial, educational, social, employment, and advocacy resources is to have access to a high-speed internet connection. By being able to access these services at home, users have the ability to investigate these personal issues at times convenient to them. Access to Internet resources is essential to residents of Ypsilanti.