The local website GRNow recently conducted an interview with Sally Wesorick, the City's Wireless Project Manager, on Grand Rapids' citywide wireless initiative, which is currently in its testing phase. Wesorick responds to a variety of questions dealing with the potential cost of the program, how it will be used by the City, and how it help less privilged portions of the community:

GRNow: There has been discussion about how wireless will bridge the digital divide by providing newer technology to poorer communities in Grand Rapids. While this is an excellent goal, and one we support, how can it be realized when the residents of these areas may not have the equipment required to utilize wireless technology? What plans, if any, are in place to provide and fund these communities with computers, as well as the training to use the computers to take advantage of wireless services?

Sally Wesorick: There are many benefits of a citywide wireless network. The primary purpose for the network is to dramatically improve the information available to mobile police officers and fire fighters. The city also expects that a wireless network will reduce the cost of government through service efficiencies.

Reducing the digital divide is also high on the Mayor's list of reasons for developing a wireless network for our city. The City is committed to ensuring that broadband is available to everyone. However, the City and its wireless business partners have not made any decisions as to how this will be accomplished. There are many ways that this can be done, but the first step is to provide access. It is too early to discuss computer recycling, education programs, or any of the other options that could be initiated to assist in this goal.

The interview is available in three parts (1, 2, 3) as well as a two part test (1, 2) of the wireless networks.