From a press release from the Media Mobilizing Project:

Local residents urged to call Mayor Nutter May 21 and demand his administration block Earthlink from dismantling the city's WiFi network

When: Wednesday, May 21st 9AM-5PM
Phone Number: (215) 686-3000 or (215) 686-2250

Media Mobilizing Project and local broadband activists are urging Philadelphians to call Mayor Michael Nutter on Wednesday May 21, to demand that the city step in to save the Wireless Philadelphia network and keep digital inclusion as part of it's agenda. Earthlink plans to begin dismantling the $17 million network June 12, after failing to convince either the city or a non-profit to assume ownership.

Despite the challenges facing the broadband network, community activists believe it remains a critical asset for helping close the digital divide in Philadelphia-where over half of all households lack a high-speed Internet connection. "In 2005 the city made a promise to provide every Philadelphian, regardless of income, with reliable access to the Internet," says Shivaani Selvaraj of the Media Mobilizing Project. "Mayor Nutter is obligated to
ensure the city makes good on that promise."

The need for digital inclusion is growing exponentially. Today, it is nearly impossible to register for a university course or even check a train schedule without Internet access. Local residents routinely wait two
hours at the Free Library for a 30-minute session on the Web.

Even as Mayor Nutter is prepared to walk away from the WiFi network, his administration committed to making government services available on-line. The Philadelphia Police Department already offers downloadable reports, and the Department of Licenses & Inspections website encourages users to download building permit applications. Residents can even notify the Streets Department about potholes via a hyperlink on that agency's website.
"But without access to the Internet, Philadelphians are blocked from taking advantage of any of these services," says Gwen Shaffer, a doctoral student whose research focuses on broadband policy. "The Nutter administration says it values public participation in the political process. But residents need affordable Internet access in order to be engaged in civic life."

With Earthlink poised to begin taking down the Wireless Philadelphia network June 12, it is critical that local residents immediately pressure the city step in. Concerned residents should contact Mayor Nutter's office at (215) 686-3000 or (215) 686-2250 on Wednesday, May 21st.

Philadelphians will have another opportunity to contribute to the debate about local digital inclusion efforts during a June 3 public forum. The Media Mobilizing Project and Temple University's School of Communication and Theater are co-hosting that event.