For the duration of the pilot, we agree to

• Provide wireless networking equipment, to which we retain ownership
• One wireless dual-band access point for your residence during the pilot
• Provide wireless infrastructure allowing you to connect to ChiCommons network and Internet
• Install this equipment in a designated room of your residence
• Provide you Internet bandwidth of maximum 50Mbps via wireless access
• Provide technical and customer service support
• Monitor quality of service
• Provide support only for the services provided, including equipment and Internet connectivity, and not including support for applications, like Zoom, Google Apps, etc. or customer owned devices

For the duration of the pilot, you agree to

• Exclusively use ChiCommons products and services described above for your Internet connection
• To all usage requirements set forth in the Pilot Agreement
• Assume responsibility for the equipment provided and will return equipment in the same condition as originally provided
• To maintain your password privately and not share it with anyone
• To  provide feedback about the services and your experiences during and after the pilot test period

ChiCommons Cooperative LWCA

Community Incubator 

ChiCommons is a multi-stakeholder, worker owned, limited worker cooperative association registered in Illinois. We recognize that big technology challenges include a lack of universal access to broadband and technical education where people can learn technology. We intend to co-build a sustainable Wi-Fi infrastructure with South Shore community partner organizations and households in order to overcome this challenge.

We also believe in the positive power of communities working together to build their own communal life. We provide the technology tools to make this a reality. This Wi-Fi technology project is just laying the foundation for tools that we’ll build on top of it to provide a platform for sharing and communications within the neighborhood that support a vibrant community.

Windsor Park Lutheran Church

Community Wi-Fi Hub

Veterans groups in South Shore were having a hard time getting vets connected to the internet, so they’ve brought in a military-grade solution. Leave No Veteran Behind “cut the wire” on a new network that beams a high-speed wireless connection from the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park to Windsor Park Lutheran Church

Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church has been in the South Shore neighborhood for more than100 years. In that time they’ve seen their neighborhood, and in turn the needs of the community, change significantly. Access to reliable and affordable WiFi still lags inthei the neighborhood (27 percent of residents still did not have broadband access at home as of 2013), making it difficult for students to complete homework assignments and residents to apply for jobs.

Broadband products provider

Cambium Networks entered the battlefield by providing and installing the hardware and furthermore engaged their partner American Wide Broadband to supply Internet connectivity. Cambium Networks has continued to give technical support to the Wi-Fi hub at Windsor Park Lutheran Church since it’s launch in 2016.

In partnership with Leave No Veteran Behind and American Wide Broadband, the community hub leverages free, high speed, Wi-Fi broadband connectivity to improve the lives of the church, its programs, and neighborhood residents passing by. Another transceiver has been installed at the Rainbow Sub Shop several blocks away from the church, providing a foundation for further expansion. Cambium Networks is providing additional units for residents to join the network and and Internet.