Lawrence Freenet is going city-wide on March 1st.
http://www.lawrencefreenet.org/
They use wireless networking to cover Lawrence in Internet service, though you can currently only attach to the service through a wireless-to-wired conversion box. They have plans for free WiFi in Downtown Lawrence. Home service costs between $20 and $35 a month, installation is $200 to $0 (depending on length of contract), though low-income families meeting their income guidelines can receive free Internet service with free installation.
Part of the program involves handing out a free computer to low-income families, often the same ones who are receiving the free Internet service. I'm suspicious from the costs charged to paying Internet subscribers (as well as the installation fees and contract lengths) that someone has gone all-Windows in the choice of operating system.
The free computers are all donated legacy systems, put together by volunteers. Software choices (in addition to bureaucratic costs) could be a major factor in increasing the Lawrence Freenet's costs in their free computer program. From links on the Lawrence Freenet website, their choices appear to be Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. Since the major backer is UNI Computers (http://www.unicomputers.com/) and they make their money off services to Windows users, I'm thinking that the money-saving benefits of Linux aren't being used.
Since the broadband connection is a wireless-to-wired conversion box, there will be no issues with Linux wireless NICs as the only connection required is a wired NIC. Develop the system appropriately and most home users won't notice the difference, though to make things easier donating a CUPS compatible printer as well would be appropriate.
I tried to join KULUA to talk to them about it, but I'm still waiting on list approval.
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