Earlier this month, Philadelphia – one of America’s oldest and most historic cities – thrust itself onto the technological frontline by announcing plans to build the biggest municipal wireless internet system in the country.
The 135-square-mile network will be built and managed by Earthlink, and will offer low-income residents a service for about $10 (£5.70) a month.
A clutch of other cities are hoping to follow suit with free or low-cost services aimed at reconnecting poor communities, growing local businesses and giving new flexibility to the emergency services.
