Digital inclusion program for low income residents

Digital inclusion processing of low income residents is anticipated to begin January 2008. 

 

Clearwire WiMAX service is not currently available in the Grand Rapids area.  The City's partnership agreement with Clearwire was executed January 2007.  Clearwire is moving forward aggressively to build the network in this region.  The City expects that the network will be available by the end of 2007.

 

Clearwire has generously agreed to provide discounted service to qualifying low income residents for up to five percent (5%) of total household count in Grand Rapids.  

 

Cost of discounted service will be $9.95 per month for Internet access with downlink speed up to 512 Kbps and uplink speed to 256 Kbps.

 

The non-profit organization with which the City plans to partner for low income account processing is the Community Media Center (CMC).  The CMC has an established and respected record of working with media education and use in our city.  They are well qualified to administer, on an ongoing basis, a program for low income citizens needing Internet access.   

 

Free public sign-up presentations and sign-up sessions will be available in various locations throughout the City.  The City and CMC are working together to draft appropriate guidelines and procedures.  The goal is to keep the process simple while insuring that all citizens receiving the discounted service are qualified, low income residents. 

  

The City is also seeking donations from private individuals, companies, and corporations which will fund digital inclusion education, discounted equipment for low income residents, and other related expenses.  These donations will be made directly to the non-profit City partner administering the program and not to the City.