To pay tribute to local governments implementing broadband-wireless applications and services for cities and communities, the Wireless Internet Institute (W2i) announces ten finalists for the second annual Wireless Communities Best Practices Awards.
According to W2i broadband-wireless connectivity in countries around the world is fostering social and economic development for underserved communities and enabling better city and regional management. Five best-practices awards for Technology Innovation, Community Momentum Building, Digital Inclusion, E-Government Applications, and Neighborhood Portals honor the exemplary efforts of local governments and affiliated organizations around the world who are realizing the promise of broadband-wireless solutions for their communities.
“As we recognize the very best projects in broadband deployment for 2006, it is clear that the rules of the game are changing,” said Costis Toregas, Jury Chairman. “No longer are we seeking to reward partnerships of government and industry which result simply in the deployment of a state-of-the-art communications network. This year, we looked for projects that have produced extraordinary results in improving government services, in engaging the community and in strengthening the commercial sector. And we found strong, exemplary projects that can act as a beacon for the many initiatives that are coming behind them.”
The ten finalists are:
- City of Granbury, Texas, USA
- Itelazpi S.A., Basque Government, Spain
- Kista Science City, Stockholm, Sweden
- Town of Knysna, South Africa
- National e-Mexico System, Mexico
- OneCommunity, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Paris Local Transport Authority (RATP), France
- Rhode Island Wireless Innovation Networks (RI-WINs), USA
- Taipei City, Taiwan
- PhilaVoice Portal, Philadelphia, USA
Awards Descriptions
- Technology Innovation
- This Award honors the best broadband-wireless network or device innovation deployed across a metro area or region.
- Community Momentum Building
- This Award honors the best public outreach and community organizing in planning and implementing a broadband-wireless infrastructure for a city or region.
- Digital Inclusion
- This Award honors the best initiative to provide urban or remote communities with broadband connectivity for the provision of applications and services.
- E-Government Applications
- This Award honors the best broadband-wireless platform to improve local-government workforce productivity and/or citizen interaction with government.
- Neighborhood Portals
- The Award honors the best local or national portal enabling low-cost community and visitor information access, education, and/or location-based services.