Unlike many other large cities, New York has not yet developed an extensive business plan for the creation of citywide broadband service. In 2000, nonprofit organization NYCwireless decided to step in to provide wireless access to residents in areas within many areas of town. The volunteer-only group has built hot spots in low incoming housing facilities, and hundreds of access points throughout the city, including about two dozen parks and public places.

Funding: NYCwireless projects are funded through the consulting and network installations they do for business improvement districts and park conservancies. Donations, grants, and membership fees provide ongoing finances for the nonprofit.

Management: NYCwireless is run by over 20 active volunteer and eight volunteer board members. The group builds hot spots for the cost only a few thousand dollars each. The City of New York is not involved in the projects and does not lease use of its light poles or buildings for wireless nodes. NYCwireless installs the nodes on private property near parks and public spaces. The group buys DSL service from local or national providers that service the region to run broadband service through the network.

Coverage: NYCwireless provides Internet access to hundreds of users throughout the city each week. Free wireless is available in many public places, including Bryant Park, City Hall Park, Union Square Park, Bowling Green Park, Tompkins Square Park, and the South Street Seaport.

Quality of service: The network runs DSL service at an average of 3Mbps download and 768kbps upload speeds. Coverage is generally reliable outdoors, though New York City weather does affect it occasionally. Indoor coverage is relatively rare.

State laws: New York has no laws governing community broadband.

About New York City: New York is a city of around 8 million residents. The city's average household income is about $43,000, although households in some regions earn an annual income of $16,000 or less.

Additional information:

• NYCwireless website
• Network map
• Wi-Fi and the Cities - New York Times
• Municipal Broadband Takes on the Internet Cartel - New York City Independent Media
• Expanding Wi-Fi Beyond Manhattan - Gotham Gazette