From airplanes to meeting rooms, cafes to train stations, Wi-Fi is the connectivity option of choice for many mobile users based largely on its low-cost and ubiquity. And today we celebrate with World Wi-Fi Day, a special initiative from the Wireless Broadband Alliance.
The idea behind the occasion, according to WBA, is to call attention to “exciting and innovative solutions to help bridge the digital divide, with connected city initiatives and new service launches at its core.” It ties into HOPE for Connectivity, which “directs the attention of cities, government bodies, fixed and mobile operators, technology vendors and internet giants towards the critical influence and success of wireless connectivity in bridging the digital divide.”
HOPE is an initialism:
- Help fund Wi-Fi deployment in unconnected communities.
- Offer more affordable Wi-Fi access to underserved groups.
- Promote Wi-Fi’s role in connecting cities and communities
- Engage and recognize Wi-Fi’s role in addressing the digital divide.
Wi-Fi provider iPass, to mark World Wi-Fi Day, announced a new partnership with charity Bottomless Closet, which will see free Wi-Fi access made available to 3,000 of the New York City nonprofit’s clients; the iPass network comprises more than 53 million hotspots in 120 countries.
“Connectivity has become a fundamental requirement for engaging in and getting ahead in today’s world,” said Patricia Hume, chief commercial officer of iPass. “Bottomless Closet is doing incredible work to help women overcome socioeconomic barriers to transform their lives, and we believe internet access is an important tool in that work. Given that approximately 21% of unemployed New York City residents lack internet access, we are excited to partner with Bottomless Closet and support the mission of World Wi-Fi Day by delivering free internet access to those who need it. ”
Claus Hetting, chairman and CEO of trade group Wi-Fi Now, is celebrating World Wi-Fi Day “because Wi–Fi should be everywhere, for everyone. Enjoy World Wi–Fi Day!”
