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The Austin Wireless City Project is all about improving the quality
and availability of publicly-available free WiFi in Austin. If
you know about a cool place that you'd like to make hot, let us
know and we'll approach the venue with the idea. We're always
more successful if we know who the owner or decision-maker is.
How It's Done
The magic is the passion and enthusiam of our volunteers, the
relationships between independent businesses and their community
neighbors, and you! Together we build a community wifi network
that's provisioned, managed, and maintained by us, the people
of Austin. As network caretakers and community network users,
we are transformed from clients of corporate service to co-creators
of community-owned and operated technology.
The Process
We depend upon our volunteers in every aspect of our mission
and operation.
Step 1. You will be contacted by a Walker. Walkers explain the
benefits and process of installing a publicly-available free wifi
hotspot. They also conduct a preliminary "site survey," taking
note of broadband service provider, presence of office or business
computers, ease of installation, and radio coverage issues.
Step 2. If you currently don't have business-class broadband
(DSL or cable) at your venue, you will need to order it and take
responsibility for paying that bill. If you need assistance with
service selection, the Walker can help you.
Step 3. A used PC is needed to power your free wifi hotspot.
If you do not have a PC, the Austin Wireless City Project will
attempt to obtain one for you. It works like an organ donor program.
As soon as a suitable donor PC arrives, we match it with the venue
at the top of the waiting list. Providing your own PC, eliminates
this step which can take 2 weeks.
Step 4. You provide us with a logo (in .gif format) and a URL
to your website. This information will be used to customize your
free wifi hotspot.
Step 5. The Hotspotter team will schedule an appointment to perform
the install. They will need access to your back office and other
relevant places. Depending on ease of installation, they may need
to drill small holes or use staples. They will always consult
with your first. An install can take 1-3 hours depending on the
complexity.
Step 6. A Network Caretaker will be assigned to your hotspot.
This person will be the primary point of contact for trouble-shooting
and responding to questions arising from problems from the service.
This critical service is performed by a non-paid volunteer who
likely lives or works near your venue or is a regular patron.
Step 7. WiFi User Orientation. Many venues with new hotspots
express an interest in hosting one or more WiFi User Orientations
for their patrons. This can take the form of a happy hour or other
informal setting. The Austin Wireless City Project is available
to help venues coordinate these orientations and provide volunteer
personnel to staff them.
If you know a venue that should
have wireless, and would be interested in discussing how to make
that happen,please email the information to info at austinwirelesscity.org
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