The Wifi Mayor

[aGameOfThrones]

New York's code-loving mayor had at least one more big tech announcement to make before handing over the keys to the city at the end of the year. Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced plans to launch a free WiFi network in Harlem, spanning 95 of the uptown neighborhood's blocks. The size makes it the "largest continuous free outdoor public wireless network in the nation," by New York City's count, bringing access to 80,000 residents -- a number that includes 13,000 people living in public housing. The rollout will occur in phases, culminating next May, with five years of initial coverage currently planned. More details on the rollout can be found in the source link below.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/10/bloomfi/

 

[angelatc]

Yay - FREE!!!!

 

[Dr.3D]

Even if he paid for it out of his own pocket, it wouldn't be free. (they stole the money they pay him with)

 

[juleswin]

Even if he paid for it out of his own pocket, it wouldn't be free. (they stole the money they pay him with)

You bloomberg actually has billions he made before ever coming into elected office? I bet he can deliver this service free of charge if he wanted to.

 

[brandon]

I guess all the people in public housing will be able to drop the data plans on their smart phones and just use the city wifi. That should help them offset the high cost of their cigs I guess.

 

[ThePenguinLibertarian]

The city may have a balanced budget for now, but it is going to burst soon.

 

[Keith and stuff]

The city may have a balanced budget for now, but it is going to burst soon.

Taxes are much higher than most cities in the US. It should be rolling in money. It has the highest income and tobacco taxes in the country. Plus, some of the highest sales and property taxes. The mayor elect's #1 property is increasing the nation's highest income taxes. So that should be able to pay for the continued expansion in government. If something goes wrong, don't worry, they will just increase taxes even more.

 

[ghengis86]

Uh...nobody else sees this as a perfect way to gain access to all the serfs wi-fi data?

Don't even need the NSA for your hometown spooks!

 

[gwax23]

New Yorks best asset is its a name brand. Without the name it would of been a failed city like most of those in the US. With this communist Deblasio coming it will make things even worse (Hard to imagine after Bloomberg I know)

This city became great because of Free Markets and Capitalism. Socialism has destroyed it and kept it stagnant.

 

[Origanalist]

The city may have a balanced budget for now, but it is going to burst soon.

After he's gone.

 

[MichaelDavis]

Even if he paid for it out of his own pocket, it wouldn't be free. (they stole the money they pay him with)

Bloomberg paying for something? Out of his own pocket?! Hahaha!

 

[MRK]

I guess all the people in public housing will be able to drop the data plans on their smart phones and just use the city wifi. That should help them offset the high cost of their cigs I guess.

I am pretty sure that the majority of cigarettes purchased in the projects are imported from somewhere like West Virginia where packs cost about $3 each. The price difference, ease of transportation, and proliferation of more strictly forbidden contraband in the same area make this a near certainty.