The Digital Divide Partnership (DDP) is an exciting collaboration among private for-profit and non-profit business, including the New York State's Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (OFT/CIO) and other public and private entities in a unique partnership to bring ubiquitous, free LIFELINE broadband service to underserved, low-income communities throughout New York City.
The DDP embraces the recent declaration from the United Nations Human Rights Council which proclaims that access to the Internet is a Basic Human Right and that disconnection from the Internet is against International Law. The U.N. report states that the Internet is the most transformative instrument of the 21st century, enabling the exchange of information and ideas instantaneously across the planet, facilitating access to resources and knowledge previously unattainable. As such, the Internet is an enabler of economic, social and cultural rights, and acts as a catalyst for individuals to exercise their freedom of expression and to realize the full range of their Human Rights.
OUR MISSION
The Digital Divide Partnership has constructed a hybrid fiber/wireless Community Broadband LifeLine Network that delivers free Wi-Fi Internet access to underserved communities throughout New York City The free Community LifeLine Network provides Wi-Fi access to public information, governmental services, health-care and educational information, and connectivity to the global communications network that is the Internet. The Community Broadbaand LifeLine Network is principally focused on the single largest underserved community in the nation consisting of 650,000 residents of New York City Housing Authority and Section 8 developments. The DDP is connecting the City's poorest and most vulnerable citizens to free critical broadband technology & information services. Here are maps of our current access points in the Bronx, Harlem and Brooklyn.
BRONX & HARLEM WIRELESS NODES
SmartNET - New York City
SmartNET is a series of Wi-Fi Cloud Corridors, funded in part by the New York State CIO/OFT and in collaboration with One Economy Corporation, that provides broadband access and applications to underserved communities in the City. SmartNET enhances the quality-of-life for urban apartment dwellers by connecting families to schools, resources, information and applications that improve their everyday lives. The SmartNET has over 300 wireless access points utilizing 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz (N) frequencies, including point-to-point and point-to-multipoint 100MBs radios. The wireless network is complemented with 29 miles of fiber optic cable with OC12 and DS3 run rates.
Provide Wi-Fi access for all Technology and Heath Care Exhibits and throughout Riverbank State Park Fair Grounds for all-day annual event
Facilitate over 2,000 Seniors from across the City with "hands-on" broadband experience
E-mail, Social Networking, Tele-Health, Community Watch, Google Search, Wii Games, mobile devices and other applications
Senior Benefit & Entitlement Fair Opening Ceremony NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea NYCHA Senior Technology Fair
HOME NETWORKING SERVICES
The DDP and SoBRO established Home Networking Services (HNS) with a grant received from the U.S. Dept. of Health, Office of Community Service, to create a community broadband construction, installation and "help desk" company. HNS works with the DDP in training local community residents in fiber optic and broadband wireless construction and maintenance, help desk service and digital inclusion training.
DDP JOB DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
The DDP, working in association with the Per Scholas Institute of Technology, One Economy and SoBRO, has created broadband technology training curriculum to train local residents in 21st century technology skills.
Per Scholas, a New York City based technology training institute and computer re-furbisher, has trained over 1,900 New York City residents in computer technology since 1996. In addition to curriculum and A+ Certification in computer technology and repair, network installation and customer service, Per Scholas is developing curriculum for the DDP in wireless RF installation and servicing, broadband service technicians, fiber optic splicing and broadband help desk services.
SoBRO is one of the City's leading community development agencies, and has been involved in job development, training and community development for 40 years. SoBRO is working with the DDP on recruitment and job readiness skills for DDP trainees.
One Economy, the nation's leading digital inclusion advocate, has instituted its award-winning "Digital Connectors" program and training model in association with Per Scholas and SoBRO. Together, the DDP partners are recruiting and training local residents in critical broadband technologies.
BROADBAND APPLICATIONS & MEASUREMENTS (BAM)
Broadband Applications & Measurements (BAM) is a broadband "think tank" created by the DDP, Per Scholas, the City College of New York (CCNY) WHCR engineering team and general manager Angela Hardin and Probe Pyramid. BAM is exploring broadband applications and services that bring value and quality-of-life enhancements to residents living in underserved, low-income communities. BAM believes that ubiquitous broadband access, services, technology and applications are a HUMAN RIGHT that present an unparalleled opportunity to empower and enhance lives. See our White Paper ABSTRACT for more information.
the U.S. Dept. of Health, Office of Community Service, to create a community broadband construction, installation and "help desk" company. HNS works with the 
DDP in training local community residents in fiber optic and broadband wireless construction and maintenance, help desk service and digital inclusion training.
Broadband Applications & Measurements (BAM) is a broadband "think tank" created by the DDP, Per Scholas, the 
