New York City Neighbors Build Cheaper Way to Connect to Web (wsj.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a community-led initiative in New York City to create a cheaper way to connect to the internet. The project involves building a mesh network, which is a decentralized network where each node acts as a relay for other nodes. Similar efforts are being made in other cities, such as Boston, Oakland, and Philadelphia. The goal of these initiatives is to provide affordable and reliable internet access to communities.

Main themes

• community-led internet initiatives
• mesh networks
• affordable internet access
• decentralized networking
• urban connectivity

What commenters say

• Mesh networks can provide a viable alternative to traditional internet service providers, offering cheaper and more reliable connectivity.
• The success of community-led internet initiatives depends on overcoming technical, legal, and organizational hurdles.
• Incumbent internet service providers may try to undermine community-led initiatives through lobbying and other means.
• The use of mesh networks raises concerns about privacy and security, particularly when connected to the internet.
• Some commenters believe that mesh networks can be designed with privacy and security in mind, using protocols such as TLS.
• Others argue that the lack of infrastructure and high costs can be significant barriers to the adoption of mesh networks.
• Community-led initiatives can benefit from resources such as guidebooks and online forums, which provide valuable information and support for those looking to start their own mesh networks.