Mike Boyd, who provided free public WiFi access at Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival this summer, has delivered on his threat — to “unwire” downtown Hillsboro, Oregon.
Mike has purchased a dozen Meraki access points and repeaters and is talking with business and property owners about providing free public WiFi. Now he’s got about ten sponsors.
Blake Wellington, of Art Envy, was the first to let Mike use his Internet connection. Soon afterwards, Eldon Mains of Hill Florist allowed Mike to use his rooftop for an antenna. Gradually the network is being built, rooftop by rooftop, business by business. Small text ads will link to the shops and offset expenses. It may even generate a profit for the grass-roots network.
Mike explains How individuals can help build the network out:
- Purchase an indoor or outdoor Meraki unit.
- Place it on a window, or on top of a roof.
- Email them (info@hillsboro-wifi.com) the MAC Address & Serial number so that it can join their system
- If a business, post a WiFi sign in your storefront
If you are visiting downtown Hillsboro or just want free internet access, you can now get it in some parts of the city — thanks to Mike Boyd.
