Sderot will no longer only be known for its excellent falafel and abandonment to rocket attack by its government: the city’s schools are being outfitted with Israel’s first long-range WiMAX wireless networks.
The networks are being set up by 012 Smile Communications, Alvarion and Intel and will use WiMAX technology to provide free high-speed wireless Internet access across the region. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technology allows users to stay connected while moving over much longer distances than traditional Wi-Fi.
The reason the schools were chosen as a starting point is that many educational institutions have been moved to alternate locations in order to be protected from rocket attacks from nearby Gaza. The new locations lack the necessary infrastructure for traditional wired networks. Dozens of laptop computers are being donated to the schools as well.
Though Sderot’s schools are the first to benefit from the initiative, plans are to equip the entire western Negev with the technology.
Communications Minister Ariel Attias (Shas) praised the initiative, particularly for bringing such technology to an area known to be less economically well-off. "The State of Israel must be committed to minimizing educational and technological gaps, bringing the periphery closer [figuratively] to the center and devoting efforts to improving the quality of life of citizens in Sderot and the Western Negev,” Attias said. “The possibility of utilizing free access to WiMAX technology is one means of achieving these goals."
Sderot’s Mayor Eli Moyal, who recently resigned, but came back to work at the behest of Defense Minister Ehud Barak, also praised the move. "I congratulate this initiative to connect kindergartens in Sderot using WiMAX wireless Internet technology, thus bringing Sderot to the forefront of this innovative technology, unparalleled throughout Israel,” Moyal said. “We wish for the success of this project and hope that it will expand to other centers in the region in the near future so that many more people will benefit from broadband wireless Internet connections."
012’s CEO Stella Hendler explained the move: “We are pleased to bring WiMAX to Sderot, a city that has suffered on both developmental and security fronts, [and to be] helping it to become one of the world's first 'connected' cities and giving it the technology to reach its full potential,” Hendler said. “We are proud to be part of this project that is placing Sderot on the cutting-edge of technological innovation in Israel.”
Alvarion CEO Tzvika Friedman said he sees Internet access as a propagator of equality. "In developing regions throughout the world, broadband Internet access is proving to be a great 'leveler' that brings improved education and economic progress in its wake," he said.