The City of Lousiville takes their Bigbelly smart waste and recycling system to the next level as a multi-purpose core infrastructure in their Russell neighborhood. At bus stations along the public transit system, the Wi-Fi hotspot hidden in plain sight (housed in the cavity between the waste and recycling station) delivered critical Internet access for locals, whether waiting at the bus stop or visiting a local business organization.
As the Courrier Journal reports, “It’s a trash and recycling bin that doubles as your free link to the world, which Louisville officials say is the first innovation of its kind to be deployed in the world.” Read on below to learn more!
Two solar-powered wi-fi hot spots in two Big Belly trash and recycling units offer
free internet on Market and 25th and 28th streets. Credit: The Courier-Journal
Mayor Greg Fischer joined business leaders and online entrepreneurs to unveil two Big Belly compaction waste units Wednesday that have been converted into solar-powered wireless 4G hot spots.
“When we show this demand, it demonstrates we’re more attractive to Internet providers,” Fischer said. “They want to see if there’s a market for their services.”
The bins will bring free Internet access to residents, businesses and visitors of the Russell neighborhood in western Louisville at two of TARC’s busiest bus stops along Mark Street at the intersections of 25th and 28th streets. Average weekday trips on the No. 15 route total more than 2,200, according to transit officials.
Each Big Belly Wi-Fi location emits a hot spot radius of about 100 feet of coverage and will operate between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., but city leaders say those hours will expand during the summer months.
