As part of its aim to further its smart city vision, the public-private initiative is designed to help low income residents pay for internet services and expand IoT infrastructure.
San Jose mayor Sam Liccardo is launching what claims to be a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership utilizing blockchain technology to reduce the digital divide.
It will work with peer-to-peer networking company Helium, and in partnership with California Emerging Technology Fund, to minimize financial barriers to broadband internet access for low-income citizens.
This initiative uses HNT cryptocurrency tokens mined through Helium Hotspot devices and converted to prepaid gift cards that will go to qualifying low-income residents to subsidize their internet plans.
During its pilot period, the programs aims to cover the expenses of low-cost internet plans for more than 1,300 low-income households for one year by providing participants with a one-time $120 payment.
“Here in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose must set an example for how to solve problems with emerging technologies and public-private partnerships,” said Liccardo. “Becoming a smarter city means leveraging emerging technologies that improve how we serve our community, making it safer, more sustainable, and more equitable.”
The Mayor’s Office of technology and Innovation (Moti) will deploy and install 20 Helium-compatible Hotspots to volunteer residents and small businesses across San Jose during a six-month pilot period. The Helium-compatible Hotspots, purchased by CETF, will further expand the decentralized wireless Helium network to increase local Internet of Things infrastructure, supporting San Jose’s smart city vision to provide inclusive connectivity and serve as a test lab for innovative pilot programs in response to civic challenges.
