Internet effort aims to get more Detroiters connected

By the end of 2010, thousands of low-income Detroit residents could gain Internet access through an initiative to connect targeted areas with wireless broadband service. The Detroit Connected Community Initiative project -- mainly funded by an $800,000 grant awarded from the Knight Foundation in November -- is expected to develop a broadband infrastructure in three areas within Detroit's Midtown-Northend and Osborn-Northeast areas. Patrick Gossman, executive director of the Community Telecommunications Network and Wayne State University's deputy chief information officer, said the number of Detroiters with access to broadband or wireless Internet in most areas of the city is less than 40%. Some residents have computers, he said, but only slow dial-up Internet service. To help provide the Web access in neighborhoods, CTN is partnering with 4C's Family Place, Focus: HOPE and Matrix Human Services. The service will be free, at least initially. CTN is also adding $100,000 to the initiative and working to get federal grants to help get computers for residents.