iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Philly Community Wireless

Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

We’re hiring! Join the PCW team as our Development and Communications Manager - leading development strategies, managing communications+marketing, and supporting community engagement with stakeholders. Priority given to applicants who submit by Oct 15, 2026. Visit our job posting - link in our bio!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

With PhillyWisper and The Lighthouse 1983, we installed an access point and directional panel to reach much of the Somerset community in North Philadelphia! It’s through on-the-ground work like this installation that we aim to advance our mission to deliver free internet for all Philadelphians.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We might be late on this trend… But it’s not too late to get tickets for our Network Tour Fundraiser this Saturday from 1-3pm! Come out to support our organization.🛜

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Tour Philly’s ONLY community internet network on August 29 from 1-3pm! Our walking tour will give you the inside scoop on how community internet works, who makes it happen, and where PCW is today. Limited spots available - buy your $20 ticket today: www.phillycommunitywireless.org/tour-fundraiser/ 🎟️

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Come out for a tour of Philly’s ONLY community internet network on August 29 from 1-3pm! ✨ Our walking tour will give you the inside scoop on how community internet works, who makes it happen, and where PCW is today. Limited spots available - buy your ticket today through our linktree! 🎟️

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Since 2020, @alexwermercolan.bsky.social has led our work building community-controlled networks in North Philly. Alex’s dedication has turned PCW from a small, volunteer-led pilot, to a burgeoning organization that serves tens of thousands of Philadelphians with free internet. Thank you Alex!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Big thanks to our partner PhillyWisper, a local, independent ISP, for providing the backhaul infrastructure support for our network. Their ongoing tech support helps us build, and manage our community Wi-Fi network. Learn more about PhillyWisper on their website: www.phillywisper.net

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Reposted by Philly Community Wireless

OpenStreetMap US @osmus.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Very cool project

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Another install at Philly Bridge and Jawn: a new network link with Vizion Art Gallery is live! PB&J serves Kensington youth with after‑school cooking and education around nutrition, and we hope to continue building our network for their youth. Interested in partnering with PCW? DM us! 📨

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Watch our webinar with Technology Learning Collaborative: “Internet Landscapes: Pathways to Expanding Public & Community Internet” — now on YouTube. Learn about our community internet model, resources for action in your own community, and how to get involved with PCW. Link in our Linktree! 📶

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Reposted by Philly Community Wireless

Center for Digital Humanities @princetoncdh.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Neighbors maintain a free broadband network in Philadelphia — @phillywireless.bsky.social — that now serves 7,600+ users. Read about the six-year project to build community-supported infrastructure in the latest Debates in DH volume from @uminnpress.bsky.social cdh.princeton.edu/blog/2026/06...

cdh.princeton.edu

New Publication Details Cooperative Broadband and Community-Supported Infrastructure

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Reposted by Philly Community Wireless

Alan Liu @alanyliu.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

From Wermer-Colan, Wythoff, Gomez, & Washington’s Ch 8 (“Alternative Infrastructures for Digital Equity: Community-Based Internet Access”) in Critical Infrastructure Studies & DH, dhdebates.gc.cuny.edu/read/critica... @phillywireless.bsky.social @princetoncdh.bsky.social @uminnpress.bsky.social

From Alex Wermer-Colan, Grant Wythoff, Allan Gomez, & Devren Washington’s Chap. 8 (“Alternative Infrastructures for Digital Equity: Community-Based Internet Access”) in _Critical Infrastructure Studies and Digital Humanities_ (p. 177 in print edition).

"Born of the pandemic and the need that it exacerbated for broadband access and digital equity, PCW has sought to adapt alternative models for bridging the digital divide, specifically community Wi-Fi initiatives in regional cities similar to Philadelphia, the poorest big city in the United States (Jones and Duchneskie).2 The authors of this chapter—with backgrounds in community technology and digital humanities (DH)—are cofounders, staff, and Board members of PCW. In this chapter, we step back from our on-the-ground experiences over the last five years to explore in a broader context the potential of community-controlled broadband networks and the underlying wireless mesh network technology. In doing so, we offer a framework for critical praxis in DH, academic scholarship, and social justice work."

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Take a look at our work done at The Simple Way, where we built out free Wi-Fi access throughout their building and into the surrounding neighborhood. Interested in finding a simple way to connect to free, community-controlled internet in your org? DM us or email @ info@phillycommunitywireless.org.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

How does collaborative mapping support community Wi‑Fi? Street‑level imagery lets us map infrastructure for installs across the city. Through our use of Mapillary and OpenStreetMap @osmus.bsky.social , we’re micromapping areas like Norris Square Park to plan future work in our community.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

We went back to Camden to support Camden FireWorks improving their existing internet with an added Wi-Fi network, plus installing indoor/outdoor PurpleAir monitors! Beyond providing no-cost internet, we also support nonprofits with technical consulting. Interested in learning more? DM or email us!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Join us tomorrow from 4-5:30pm for our @phillytechweek.bsky.social event with TLC! Located at Tech Impact's space in City Center, it’s the perfect chance to learn more about how PCW works and meet folks working locally in tech, digital equity, and more. 📩 To register, visit: luma.com/jpnn4cjx

luma.com

Building Community Wifi · Luma

Learn about how Philly Community Wireless is building free community-controlled wireless internet networks in Philadelphia, and how you can get…

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

We had a great time tabling at the @tudigitalscholars.bsky.social Electronics Faire along with other local organizations! This year’s theme focused on the technical aspects of repairing electronic media and looking at ways in which technology can contribute to collective, interpersonal repair.📡🛜

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

In Fairhill, we added a mesh node to boost PCW’s signal in a residence. Mesh nodes help expand the network coverage without adding a LiteBeam, a wireless radio that establishes a source of internet connection at a location. Check out our map in our linktree to see where we’ve used this set up!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Together with Ben Saracco of Rowan University, we helped build out the IDEA Center’s Wi-Fi in Camden! If your organization needs Wi-Fi or other technical support and is interested in our consulting services, reach out to us at info@phillycommunitywireless.org.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Try and spot PCW’s Wi-Fi equipment amongst these frosty photos of Norris Square in the snow ❄️ If you wondered how a fixed wireless network handles snow storms… no problems! PCW maintained our usual high speeds even with the wind, snow, and sleet.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Watch @alexwermercolan.bsky.social speak on how PCW and community broadband initiatives engage residents to help plan, build, and maintain digital infrastructure in their own neighborhoods. Check out the webinar with Benton Institute for Broadband and Society: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDwQ...

youtube.com

Community Broadband Networks as Sites for Learning

YouTube video by Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Check out the view from Lillian Marrero Library! Maintaining our network is a key part of what we do – even in winter! Community members who use our network can always reach out to us if you notice a change in service 🛜 phillycommunitywireless.org/contact/

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Together with Technology Learning Collaborative, we’ve been co-hosting community discussions about internet access and digital resources with groups like Temple Gateway’s Digital Passport Ambassadors. If you work with a local org and want to coordinate community event together, send us a DM! 📬

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Upcoming volunteer events! Join us if you’re interested in networking, providing maintenance support to one of the oldest Black churches in Philadelphia, and supporting community members at the Power Up Tech Expo. Want to come out but aren’t a PCW volunteer? DM us and we’ll get you more details!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Even with the cold, we’re still working on making free Wi-Fi available for all! PCW isn’t able to do rooftop installations in this weather, but we’re still doing maintenance, hosting events, and mapping out future network growth. Visit pa211.org for any emergency cold related resources.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Thanks to Emily from Philly Mesh for leading a special workshop on @meshtastic.org , and even donating a solar node setup to PCW so we can keep expanding mesh in Philadelphia! Interested in volunteering with PCW to do community-based networking in North Philly? Sign up via our linktree in our bio!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

A successful Saturday install session with our volunteers and staff this past weekend, as we completed some outdoor Wi-Fi installation work at our new install site, First Stop Recovery, then celebrated a successful year of sessions in the neighborhood. Hope to see you all in 2026! 🛜

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Start 2026 off right by coming out to our Meshtastic 101 event this Saturday, January 10! A member of @phillymesh.net is hosting a workshop at our HQ, located at Norris Square Neighborhood Project in Norris Square. Lunch included, bring a friend! ✅ RSVP via DM.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Philly Community Wireless is the only free Wi-Fi service in North Philadelphia. We’re raising $3000 to purchase equipment needed to cover the Kensington Ave business corridor with our network. Learn more on the impact your tax-deductible donation has: phillycommunitywireless.allyrafundraising.com

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

We’re wrapping up our latest project at HACE’s Somerset Villas, a 99-unit residence for older adults! Free PCW Wi-Fi is now available inside and outside to all residents, staff, and visitors. Plus, we hosted 3 digital literacy workshops to support internet adoption and installed a PurpleAir monitor!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Join us tomorrow at 2pm for Benton Institute’s webinar on Community Broadband Networks as Sites for Learning! Our Executive Director @alexwermercolan.bsky.social will share how PCW makes it possible for community members to contribute to their local digital infrastructure. tinyurl.com/m3bcmxnw

tinyurl.com

Community Broadband Networks as Sites for Learning

Join us on December 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET for a webinar about community broadband networks as sites for learning. These networks invite community members to plan, build, and maintain broadband service, pa...

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

PCW Merch is here! Now you can grab your favorite PCW gear and show your support for community internet. All our items are screen-printed or embroidered locally. Get 15% off your first order with code NEW15 at checkout. See more in our Linktree.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

As costs rise, free internet via Philly Community Wireless can save households $180-1,000/year. A $100 device brings PCW Wi‑Fi to hundreds as resident-hosted routers expand the network block by block! Every dollar funds equipment and staff involvement in our organization. Donate via our Linktree! 🎁🤝

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

PCW doesn’t just install Wi-Fi – we also set up PurpleAir monitors on our network in North Philadelphia! We’ve installed monitors across Norris Square & Fairhill at community orgs and residential homes. Thanks to the EPA Region 3 Sensor Loan Program for supplying us with 10 PurpleAir monitors!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

All Philadelphians deserve access to the internet! Make your voice heard and help shape the City of Philadelphia's future planning and investments in internet access. Individuals, orgs, and businesses can take the city’s 2025 internet survey here: tinyurl.com/Philadelphia...

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Install work at HACE CDC’s Somerset Villas has begun! Our team will be working this Fall to provide PCW Wi-Fi throughout the entire building and surrounding area. Thank you to HACE and AARP for the opportunity to expand our services and bring more internet access to Philadelphians in Fairhill.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Join us at TLC’s Annual Conference this Thursday! This event brings together organizations, community leaders, and others dedicated to digital equity to discuss solutions and best practices. PCW will be on a panel about community engagement at 10:15am. See www.tlcphilly.org for more info!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is how we can provide Wi-Fi to our community for FREE! We wouldn’t be where we are today without our partnership with ISP PhillyWisper, who donates bandwidth to us and helps us install fixed wireless radios. Check them out! phillywisper.net

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

TOMORROW starting at 12pm, join us at 2141 N Howard for a special Saturday event, open for all! For anyone interested in networking, homelabbing, how to block ads, and learning about our server set-up at HQ, this is for you! Lunch from a local spot provided. DM us to let us know if you’re coming 📥

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Maintenance visit at HACE CDC’s Caribe complex: We stopped by to troubleshoot our Wi-Fi bridges, improving signal in the surrounding area! This past month, we’ve also welcomed back Francisco from Philly’s Urban Technology Project, who will be working with us as an apprentice all year.📡

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Had an amazing time with Zion Baptist Church at their annual Community Day! As part of the Pyramid STEAM showcase geared towards youth, PCW set up ethernet crimping and hardware activity stations, handed out prizes like HDMI cables, and chatted with folks about PCW and our mission. 💜

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Recent install in Kensington with volunteers and staff, expanding PCW’s network on the east side of Kensington Ave! Check out our live map at map.phillycommunitywireless.org to see where we’re currently located.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Help us expand internet access in Norris Square, Fairhill, and Kensington 💜🛜 No experience needed! Come join our team of everyday folks building community internet. Sign-up to volunteer with PCW through our “Volunteer Sign-up Form” in our linktree, and invite a friend!

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Thanks to the Kensington Community Relief Fund, in partnership with the Scattergood Foundation, for granting us funds to continue expanding community internet connectivity in the Kensington, Harrowgate, and Fairhill neighborhoods! PCW looks forward to more time in an incredible area of the city.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Another successful community garden install supported by the William Penn Foundation! We set up an outdoor device at Emerald Wildflower Garden, providing Wi-Fi to the garden and Emerald St Community Farm across the street, and installed indoor Wi-Fi next door at The Perch Music & Arts Workshop.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Latoya shares why she thinks PCW's free public Wi-Fi matters 📶 How could free public internet change your life, or the lives of people around you? Thanks to @whyy.org Education and their summer journalism program for featuring our work! Check out the whole video here: tinyurl.com/WHYYEduVideo

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

We are thrilled to receive a generous grant from AARP with funding support by Microsoft, helping PCW make internet accessible for older populations! The AARP Community Challenge serves to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. Learn more: AARP.org/Livable

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

We set up a building bridge connection between @nkcdc.bsky.social and a private residence to bring internet to Hart Lane Community Farm and its neighbors! Thanks to our volunteer, Mike, for bringing his drone which was able to capture the trajectory of our signal traveling between the two devices.

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Philly Community Wireless @phillywireless.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Thanks to @billy-penn.bsky.social for writing a feature story on our work here at PCW! We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the importance of having internet connectivity available for all in local parks, community centers, gardens, and public spaces. Read more here: tinyurl.com/Billy-Penn-A...

tinyurl.com

Philly group knits community together with outdoor wi-fi

Philly Community Wireless is trying to bridge the gap in outdoor wireless. They showed us why outdoor wi-fi is just important as indoor access

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