week eight
Best’s article “The Wireless Revolution and Universal Access” proposes an interesting evolution of wireless access in particularly rural areas. I think that now we are over the fearmongering of how “dangerous” the Internet can be, people have wisened to the benefits of it. In these areas that are not as developed or priviledged as we are, this could be an essential tool for many purposes but I feel most important is a free education. There is a wealth of coherent, thoughtful information just waiting to be found and if it can be accessed in the far reaches of the globe where perhaps there isn’t sufficient funding for education, it could very well start a chain reaction encouraging positive change.
Of course, this all depends on the evolution of technology, as Best has already analyzed the financial costs and how it can amazingly cover itself. I have no doubt though, considering the rapid rate at which Internet technologies have developed, not to mention even WiFi capabilities in the last ten years. Even in our own neighborhoods, the Ave has a system similar to what Best describes (I believe) providing free WiFi access down the entire block. Not only does this drive local business to the University District but also enables students to research wherever they like. It’s a win/win situation. By translating this effort across the globe, we can open doors we never thought possible and engage with more people.
The relationship between cyberspace as a public space and accessibility standards is closely interwoven. While in order for it to be truly “public”, it must be able to reach everyone and by today’s standards this is the case (any citizen can use the internet-activated computers at the public libraries for free). Issues of speed connections is negligible as most content is in the form of easily downloaded text and T3 lines, etc. are a novelty that encourage more comprehensive (and arguably aestheticly pleasing) websites and content.
1) Is Best’s proposal and argument viable in rural areas that do not have the consistent means (funding, initial accessibility) necessary to implement it?
2) How will worldwide WiFi affect your life? Reshape the Internet as a public domain?
3) Even though experiments with this technology in India have proved “sound”, is it possible this is just wishful thinking from the perspective of the priviledged few? How long will it take to get there?
