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June 21, 2012 By Sarah Rich
Much like the lovable ice cream trucks that drive around neighborhoods and sell delicious treats, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is driving a van equipped with laptops, Wi-Fi and printers to communities in need of computer access.
The pilot project, called Digital Vans, began in February. The NYCHA started the program to help community members search for jobs online, print resumes and other general Internet use. The program currently uses one van, with another one purchased and slated to be put in service later this year. Each week the vehicle is parked at various locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn that have limited or no access to broadband or high-speed Internet, according to the NYCHA.
The van is outfitted with eight laptops equipped with Microsoft Office software, printers and broadband access. Those interested can use the van’s resources for as long as the van is open. (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) If people are waiting, users are limited to a 30-minute session, said D'Andra Van Heusen-Thomas, NYCHA’s manager of educational services in the Department of Community Operations.
She said users working on resumes and cover letters are given a free 1 GB flash drive to keep for storing their documents.
The housing authority is funding this on-wheels program with a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The initiative is intended to help close the digital divide, said Van Heusen-Thomas.
“If you look at the trends, every government or city agency is trending toward using more technology for dealing with the public and providing information,” Van Heusen-Thomas said. “NYCHA’s mission is to be a part of that, and we want to make sure we’re keeping pace with other government agencies that are implementing these types of efforts — in terms of getting users to use this technology to conduct business.”
What cities should provide access to laptops and Wi-Fi in vans and other vehicles? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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http://www.govtech.com/wireless/NYC-Housing-Authority-Broadband-on-Wheels-PHOTOS.html
Iwould think in 2012 nycha would have 10 amonth wifi for renters. these people can,t afored $50.00 amonth enternet.
That is why the services are FREE. We understand that some communities cannot shell out the monthly costs for internet access, so while we visit your neighborhood - the services are free of charge for the public to take advantage of. I would say that's fair. :)
Interesting program. We have a similar project in Los Angeles County. http://www.scdcorp.org/?page_id=124
This is quite possibly the biggest waste of government spending. This is what we have Libraries for. We cut dollars from other agencies only to fund another one that cost more than what we cut from that does the same thing. The NYCHA should be ashamed. We have terrific community based outreach centers and many other locations throughout the city for folks to be able to access the internet FOR FREE! On top of the personel costs, fuel vehicle and equipment costs. This should be shut down immediately and redirect the funding to promoting existing access right in folks backyards.
yes..in total agreement. Give our public libraries more $$$. They all have computers for free use, printers I believe, charge a low rate--- are not free. How much does a truck cost?? Open neighborhood schools with computers...NOT TRUCKS ! ! ! Whose good friend of Bloomberg has received this lovely bundle of money?
The Mobile Broadband (N.O.M.A.D.) in Philly is pretty interesting too. www.phillykeyspots.org