Current approaches to closing the broadband gap are focused on full deployment of fiber-to-the-home. But improvements in mesh network technology provide new options for quick and cost-effective broadband deployment in multi-family buildings, by placing access points throughout the property and then connecting the entire building to fiber. This approach is how Wi-Fi is provided in hotels today. This session will provide an overview of the technology of mesh networks, and explore delivery strategies that leverage municipal, industry, and federal digital equity funding sources.

Questions to be answered include:

• What are mesh networks/distributed antenna systems and do they work?
• What are the benefits and limitations of apartment/hotel WiFi networks?
• How can cities work with state, federal, and private sector partners to deliver apartment Wi-Fi projects?
• What other wireless technologies are available to close stubborn broadband gaps in cities and what tools are available to help deliver them?