Connectivity Public Policy in the Network Society: The Case of “WiFi Livre SP”

Abstract

Purpose

In 2014, the city of São Paulo began to implement the public policy “WiFi Livre SP.” This policy created the infrastructure for a WiFi network providing unrestricted internet connectivity in a 120 public squares, distributed in 5 geographical regions of the city (center, south, north, east, and west). In order to monitor the effectiveness of this public policy, a series of surveys were administered to users. The survey ascertained their views about the quality and frequency of the signal in the public squares.

Methodology/approach

To carry out analysis of this service a survey was used. The researchers camped out in the squares and flagged people down asking whether they could participate in the survey. Data was collected between August and October 2015, using an application for tablets developed by the research team.

Findings

The data showed that the networks functioned effectively and provided good service to the users. Another positive factor is the good signal evaluation in the public squares, since it was an initial concern of the project makers. Further, access to these networks made it possible for residents to use several platforms to communicate in an intensive fashion.

Social implications

The findings show that a connectivity policy should be geared toward promoting the right of all citizens to access the internet regardless of their ability to pay. Free and full access without any sacrifices of privacy should be guiding principles in policy implementation.

Citation

Penteado, C.L.d.C., Souza, P.R.E.d., Fortunato, I. and Silveira, S.A.d. (2016), "Connectivity Public Policy in the Network Society: The Case of “WiFi Livre SP”", Communication and Information Technologies Annual (Studies in Media and Communications, Vol. 12), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 299-314. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2050-206020160000012018