The Welch Group - November 2021

If you live in a middle-class or wealthy neighborhood, you probably have multiple options for internet providers. However, in rural towns and underfunded areas, Americans can be limited to only one or two internet provider options. With such a limited selection, these providers can often charge any kind of price they want. But what if smaller volunteer groups could provide high-speed internet for affordable prices? That’s exactly what volunteer network NYC Mesh is doing! Inexpensive Community Internet May Be the Future GUERILLA WI-FI

Way to Go

Licensed and Insured Workers

problem occurs with the work performed, when they are licensed, they are easily traceable, especially because they likely pay taxes every year.

It goes without saying that, typically, when a business is licensed and insured, they are also much more experienced and professional than those that are not. They understand the rules, and they follow them. To protect yourself, your home, and your property, opting for a licensed and insured professional is always the right way to go!

How It Works A fiber connection is the gold standard for internet providers; however, NYC Mesh finds that using “fixed wireless” options, like rooftop routers, can deliver a signal strong enough for residential use. It’s also much faster and cheaper to deploy than a fiber connection. For residents who are still nervous, NYC Mesh not only has a subsidized option for installations but also a low suggested monthly donation of $20–$60. NYC Mesh is one of many fixed-wireless groups in New York City — another small for-profit, Starry, which is a Boston-based start-up, is rolling out flat-rate internet plans for $50 a month in large urban markets across the country, including New York City. And the principle is the same: to provide more affordable internet options to the nearly 46% of impoverished U.S. households without a home connection.

Easy Pumpkin Brownies

INGREDIENTS

Will the Trend Continue? And Does It Really Work?

1 box brownie mix, plus other ingredients listed on box

For now, it’s safe to say that community Wi-Fi is here to stay. The Internet Master Plan released by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio offers free use of rooftops on public buildings and street light poles to providers, large and small, to build their network infrastructures. This is a huge boon to grassroots groups like NYC Mesh, which depend on rooftop access for installations. Like other fixed-wireless Wi-Fi connections, many households have been pleased with NYC Mesh. Some even raise their monthly donation after signing on just to support the cause. Although some community Wi-Fi solutions are crushed under regulation and corporate interests, it seems like DIY internet technology continues to adapt and evolve.

• • • • •

1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 can pumpkin purée

6 oz cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

DIRECTIONS

1.

Preheat the oven as directed on the brownie box, then make the brownie mix. Fold in chocolate chips.

5. Add the pumpkin mixture to the pan, evenly or in a pattern. Cover with the rest of the brownie mix and spread evenly. 6. Bake as directed on the brownie

2. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin purée, cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Choose your pan as directed on the brownie box. Grease it if needed. 4. Pour half of the brownie mix into the pan and spread evenly.

box, adding 10 minutes to account for the pumpkin. Test for doneness, and when your toothpick comes out clean, cool and enjoy!

In the upcoming years, maybe all our communities will adopt a similar solution, too!

Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com

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