The Greenway Goes Wireless!
On Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Conservancy launched its “Greenway” – one of the largest free WiFi networks in the entire state. The WiFi system, parts of which are solar-powered, is a joint initiative between the City of Boston and the Conservancy, and was built by Anaptyx, LLC. Anaptyx generously donated some equipment as well as a year of free network maintenance.
If you have a laptop or mobile device you can use the network, which will connect automatically to your browser. The speed of the network will depend on how close you are to the antennas, but optimum speed is 54 Megabits/second. The benefit of this type of mesh network is that it is self-healing—if one antenna goes down the network will still remain intact.
“We at the Conservancy are so grateful to the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for supporting this venture,” says Nancy Brennan, Executive Director of the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. “It is our job to think about ways we can enhance the visitor experience of the Greenway, and we’re confident this will be an amenity that park users will truly appreciate.”
“The Rose Kennedy Greenway continues to evolve into a top-notch, 21st Century urban park,” said Mayor Thomas Menino. “With the addition of new food vendors, tables, chairs and umbrellas, and now free WiFi, the Greenway continues to provide a valuable and welcoming space for Boston residents and visitors.”
In an effort to spread the news we are holding a “Greenway Goes Wireless” Contest on Twitter. The contest will run from Tuesday, July 20th through Tuesday, August 3rd. Winner of the $20 Greenway gift certificate (redeemable at any of the Greenway vendors) will be announced via our Twitter feed and through DM on August 3rd.