Ambient connectivity and Mexico City’s Open Wi-Fi

The following answers draw upon data from a work in progress by Bob Frankston, and a two hour conversation between Bob Frankston and Dr. Ron Suarez. The question post to notebook LM was: Explain how communities in the US can create ambient connectivity by modeling the way Sheinbaum made Mexico City the digital capital of the western hemisphere. Readers should also see this article in Bloomberg.

To create ambient connectivity, communities in the US can learn from Mexico City’s approach, where free public Wi-Fi is offered without requiring users to log in. This model treats internet access as a right, not a service. This approach can foster innovation and increase capacity and availability. Here’s how US communities can implement similar strategies, according to the sources:

• Public Packet Infrastructure (PPI): Communities can shift from a traditional telecommunications model to a public packet infrastructure. This involves pooling all facilities into a limitless commons, eliminating the need for heavy regulation and licensing. Instead of thinking of “internet access,” communities should aim for full participation in a connected society, where devices can connect without a third party. This model views connectivity as a core infrastructure, like roads and sidewalks.
• Community-Driven Approach: The focus should be on empowering local communities to act locally and drive innovation. This means moving away from the idea of a service provider and allowing communities to determine their own connectivity solutions. This is similar to how communities build road networks by connecting local roads.
• Open Connectivity: Instead of focusing on broadband, communities should prioritize open packet connectivity, both wired and wireless, available everywhere. This approach assumes connectivity is available, removing the need for users and devices to ask for permission.
• Fungible Connectivity: The goal is to create fungible connectivity that is resilient, so that if one link fails, another can be used. This means devices can connect seamlessly, whether wired or wireless.
• Low-Cost Infrastructure: The cost of infrastructure should be very low compared to the value it provides. This approach allows communities to implement innovative solutions, such as medical monitors, without needing special arrangements or dealing with multiple providers.
• Single-Payer Model: Cities can shift to a single-payer model where the city negotiates for the community as a whole. This eliminates redundant infrastructure and creates cost savings.
• Geographic Footprint: Prioritize creating a geographic footprint where access is granted by simply being present. This eliminates the need for sign-ups or paywalls, promoting open and easy connectivity.
• Focus on Relationships: Emphasize the relationships between devices rather than the network itself. This means focusing on managing relationships through software, not just on wiring plans.
• Utilize Existing Resources: Communities can repurpose existing infrastructure, such as phone wires, to provide high-speed connectivity. This approach also reduces the expense of laying new wires.
• Address the Digital Divide: Recognizing that the problem is not just a lack of access, but also the flawed approach that creates it. By implementing a PPI, communities can provide equitable access to high-speed internet for all residents.
• Promote Innovation: Open connectivity enables entrepreneurs and researchers to develop new applications and services. By fostering a space for experimentation, communities can create new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life.
• Community IT Support: Create a local IT department or hire a company that can handle connectivity for the community, negotiating with providers and managing the system.
• Start Small: Begin with low-capacity connectivity that is open to everyone. This initial step can drive innovation, making it possible to deploy new technologies and increase capacity as needed.

By using these strategies, communities in the US can create the kind of ambient connectivity that allows for innovation and improves the quality of life for all residents.