Wi-Fi access across upstate

Schumer unveils plan to promote Wi-Fi access across upstate

In light of the rapid growth of wireless internet access in major cities across the country, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer Tuesday announced a new plan to bring wireless, including “Wi-Fi” (wireless fidelity), high speed internet access to homes, businesses, and communities across upstate New York.

The state currently ranks 31st among all 50 states in percentage of households with an internet connection. Dozens of communities across upstate are looking to create Wi-Fi networks in public places, and even, covering the entire region. Schumer’s plan includes creating a federal resource for local communities who are looking to create wireless networks and tax incentives for individuals and businesses that purchase broadband or Wi-Fi equipment.

Right now, most wireless “hot spots” are limited to chain restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels (McDonalds, Starbucks, and Best Western provide Wi-Fi access). However, some local governments across upstate New York, as large as Buffalo and Rochester and as small as Tivoli and Oneonta, have contracted with private companies to create wider-scoped networks to cover public places and entire communities.

There are currently 797 Wi-Fi hotspots in all of upstate New York. There are 18 wireless high-speed internet “hot spots” currently active in the Hudson Valley. The counties with urban centers typically have seven high-speed internet providers and the more rural counties have 3 or less.

In order to promote the expansion of Wi-Fi networks in communities across upstate New York, Schumer announced a new three-point plan to direct federal resources and expertise to help local governments establish wireless networks, and provide broadband service to rural and underserved communities.

Create a Comprehensive Federal Resource for Communities Looking to Start Wi-Fi Networks: Schumer is calling on Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez to create a series of federal standards and best practices for creating wireless networks so communities who want to create these networks can navigate through any potential problems and can create a system that suits their needs.

Schumer also called on the Commerce Department to coordinate with the FBI to craft a set of specific security standards to protect wireless users and prevent criminals from taking advantage of public internet services.

Tax Breaks for Broadband and Wi-Fi Expansion: Schumer is pushing the bi-partisan Broadband Tax Enhancement Act, led by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), which passed the Senate Finance Committee last week. Schumer’s legislation would permit individuals and businesses to deduct from their taxable income costs associated with the installation and connection of broadband and wireless networks in rural or underserved areas. This could significantly reduce the cost of creating Wi-Fi networks and expanding existing broadband networks for consumers and businesses.

Federal Funding to Expand Broadband in Rural and Underserved Communities: Schumer announced his going to offer an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill that would increase by $50 million, or a 10 percent increase, funding for the Rural Development Broadband Loan and Loan Guarantee Program.