Toronto will soon be set free…from cables at least. First of all, let’s get to the bottom of what wi-fi is for those who don’t know. Wi-fi is the acronym for Wireless Fidelity, basically a set of standards for transmitting data over a wireless network. Wi-fi lets you connect to the net at broadband speeds without the hassle of cables.
Areas that offer wi-fi connection are called “hotspots” and there are already many of them at certain locations throughout Toronto, including U of T. Yet as it stands now we must look for these spots. The wi-fi zone proposed by Toronto Hydro Telecom would allow us to have direct access to the net anywhere on campus, rather than trekking to designated areas like the crowded Sid Smith courtyard. This “blanketed” service area will cover six square kilometers, from Jarvis west to Spadina and from Front north to Bloor, creating the biggest wi-fi zone in Canada.
Expanding our wireless network will give Toronto a way to generate income while offering reasonably priced high-speed internet access to individuals in low-income neighborhoods who are no less reliant on the internet for work and study, but usually cannot afford the luxury of high-speed access.
Some are arguing that perhaps when wi-fi is put into action it should be an essential service offered for free, but realistically speaking, the city of Toronto needs all of the revenue it can get. The idea of payment is a fair one since the wi-fi zone is, in essence, no different than pre-existing user-pay models like public transportation and telephones.
Assuming, therefore, that users will be required to pay access charges to an account provider, the system would be especially fair if the plan currently in use in Philadelphia (which has been discussed as an option) is implanted here.
“A citizen will pay a base fee of $10 or $20, depending upon their income status, for access to the network,” explained Philadelphia’s chief information officer, Dianah Neff. This model gives a fair and feasible idea as to how the plan can be adopted to fit Toronto’s new network as well.
Of course, there is the simple question of why Toronto needs a wi-fi network in the first place, aside from making downtown living more convenient for the tech-dependent. Toronto is the economic capitol of Canada; it makes sense that the city will now have the largest wi-fi network in Canada.
The wi-fi network will give our city a way to catch the attention of professionals and tourists alike. Tourists will be able to easily reach those back home, and academics and business professionals traveling here for seminars or conferences will be able to stay connected wherever they are.
Wi-fi would aid students trying to keep up with their crazy schedules and workload because they would have access anywhere on campus. This service would be especially helpful when you have a test in your night class the day before a major term paper is due.
Let’s face it: how often nowadays do we encounter people whose cell phones are attached to their heads and those who seem not to be able to function in class or work without a computer? We as a society are so dependent on technology that the proposal and acceptance of the wi-fi system should not come as much of a surprise.
The benefit of the system comes down to the fact that no matter where people are in the downtown core, they will be able to log onto the net at any time. Another plus is that they can consistently use the same login ID and password, a benefit for those who already have too many passwords to remember. It’s worth a nominal fee to always be connected.
