Ceragon Connects Community Parks with Free Public Wi-Fi

Ceragon Connects Community Parks with Free Public Wi-Fi

From local neighborhood parks to popular public venues, seamless public Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury-it's an expectation. Municipalities are now tasked with meeting the growing demand for high-speed internet access that serves residents, tourists, and local businesses. Whether booking sports facilities, navigating city streets, or processing digital payments at vendor stalls, reliable connectivity is essential. However, traditional fiber-optic installations present some serious hurdles, including high costs, complex permitting processes, disruptive construction, and lengthy timelines.

The Connectivity Challenge for Municipalities

Expanding public Wi-Fi is no small feat for city planners and local governments. Installing fiber-optic networks involves significant expenses for materials and labor, as well as navigating regulatory hurdles for permits. The process can take months or even years, disrupting public spaces during construction and frustrating residents and business owners. Historic sites, parks, and sprawling urban areas present further logistical challenges, making comprehensive fiber solutions impractical.

Budget constraints compound these challenges, especially for municipalities that must balance connectivity projects with other public infrastructure needs. The result? Cities either delay essential upgrades or risk leaving gaps in service, impacting everything from resident satisfaction to local economic growth.

High-Bandwidth Wireless Connectivity

Wireless technology has emerged as a smarter, more flexible alternative. With rapid deployment capabilities, cost efficiency, and scalability, wireless networks bypass the obstacles of fiber installations and deliver reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi.

Why Choose Wireless Over Fiber?

1. Quick Deployment

   Traditional fiber installations can stretch over months, often requiring extensive digging and construction that is complex, cost-prohibitive, and disrupts use of public parks. Wireless solutions, by contrast, can be deployed in just days or weeks, ensuring minimal interruptions to public spaces and faster benefits for citizens.

2. Cost-Effective Implementation

   Fiber requires significant financial investments, encompassing both raw materials and skilled labor. For many municipalities, these upfront costs are an insurmountable obstacle. Wireless networks eliminate the need for trenching and laying cables, drastically reducing installation expenses and making high-speed connectivity accessible even on tight budgets.

3. Scalability and Flexibility

   Fiber-based networks often require a comprehensive, upfront rollout that locks municipalities into large-scale projects from the beginning. Wireless networks, especially those powered by millimeter wave (mmWave) technology, offer unparalleled scalability. With Ceragon's pay-as-you-grow model, cities can start with high-traffic areas like central parks and gradually extend coverage as needed, avoiding budgetary strain.

Federal Funding and Where It Fits

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), launched in the US in March 2021, plays a crucial role in supporting many wireless initiatives by providing funds specifically for infrastructure and broadband expansion. Municipalities are utilizing ARPA funds to enhance public Wi-Fi infrastructure, making it possible to offer high-speed internet in public parks and other spaces without bearing the full financial burden. Imperial, California, is dedicating ARPA funds to develop a public Wi-Fi network in parks and downtown areas, while Kern County, California, is investing $10 million to equip county parks with Wi-Fi, addressing technology equity gaps.
Globally, there are similar National funding efforts underway. Europe has the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). There is also the Australian Regional Connectivity Program, Canada's Universal Broadband Fund, and India's Bharat Net Project, all aimed at helping provide federal funding to bridge community connectivity gaps in public spaces.

Chicago Parks Poor Connectivity Problem

The Chicago Park District (CPD) provides an excellent example of how wireless connectivity can bridge the digital divide efficiently. Facing issues with outdated infrastructure and unreliable service in areas like Garfield Park and the South Shore Cultural Center, the CPD sought a more agile solution.
Ceragon's high-capacity fixed wireless access (FWA) delivered the answer. Through mmWave radios capable of gigabit-level speeds, Ceragon extended Wi-Fi coverage deep into park areas without trenching or disturbing the landscape. The solution allowed the CPD to phase their investment, sticking to budget constraints while quickly improving public amenities.

The Impact of High-Capacity Wireless Wi-Fi

Before adopting Ceragon's wireless solution, visitors to Chicago's parks often struggled with slow connections or a complete lack of service. Complaints about buffering issues and lost connectivity at vendor payment terminals were common. These gaps not only frustrated park-goers but also hindered local vendors relying on Wi-Fi for transactions and inventory management.

Post-implementation, the transformation was significant. Park visitors now enjoy seamless, high-speed connectivity for casual browsing, social media sharing, and public service access. Vendors operate smoothly, using reliable Wi-Fi for advanced point-of-sale (POS) systems that support digital payments and inventory updates in real-time.

Broader Wireless Wi-Fi Benefits for Cities and Communities

High-speed public Wi-Fi offers far-reaching advantages, making it a catalyst for economic and social activity:

• Supporting Local Businesses: Reliable Wi-Fi enables vendors to run sophisticated POS systems, accept various forms of payment, and manage inventory without interruptions. This fosters smoother operations and encourages more vendors to participate in community events and public markets.

• Enhancing Visitor Experiences: From checking maps to sharing live updates on social media, fast Wi-Fi helps visitors stay connected and engaged. Whether meeting friends, discovering new attractions, or attending public events, seamless connectivity enriches the overall experience.

• Boosting Public Safety and Event Management: Organizers and municipal staff benefit from dependable Wi-Fi to coordinate events, manage bookings for sports facilities, and enhance security through future wireless HD camera integrations.

• Future-Proofing Infrastructure: Wireless networks provide the flexibility to introduce new digital services as cities evolve. Municipalities can scale services, add additional temporary Wi-Fi capacity for special high-traffic events, and integrate smart technologies without extensive rework or budget overruns.

Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Solutions

Wireless connectivity stands out not only for its convenience but also for its sustainability. Unlike fiber, which often involves tearing up roads, green spaces, and public areas, wireless networks use existing structures like light poles and buildings to expand coverage. This approach minimizes environmental disruption, preserving the aesthetic and ecological integrity of public spaces.

In Chicago, the eco-friendly installation was a critical component of the CPD's project. By deploying Ceragon's solution, the city avoided damaging its green spaces while ensuring residents gained access to modern amenities that enhanced their quality of life.

The Bottom Line for Municipalities

High-speed wireless connectivity is more than a technological upgrade-it's a strategic investment in the community. Cities can offer reliable, scalable Wi-Fi without incurring the budgetary and logistical headaches associated with fiber deployments. The success story of Chicago's parks underscores the potential benefits: bolstered local economies, increased community engagement, and infrastructure that supports future growth.

Learn more about Ceragon's public Park Wi-Fi solution