The FLOTO project is on the move, broadening its horizons beyond academic and institutional settings to directly engage with the heart of urban life. In an ambitious expansion, we’re deploying 200 measurement devices across residential areas in Chicago, focusing on the vibrant communities of Logan Square and South Shore. This strategic move marks a significant leap towards understanding and enhancing urban internet connectivity.

This dense deployment is designed with a clear goal in mind: to empower the Internet Equity Initiative at the University of Chicago with detailed insights into the temporal and spatial variations in home Internet performance. By situating devices across these neighborhoods, we’re laying the groundwork for a comprehensive study that promises to shed light on the dynamics of urban internet access.

Our mission with this expansion is twofold. Firstly, to provide a granular view of how internet performance varies within city landscapes, uncovering patterns that might go unnoticed in broader surveys. Secondly, and most importantly, to identify areas where internet access can be improved, directly contributing to efforts aimed at bridging digital divides.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the neighborhoods of Chicago, with the hope of not just mapping the internet landscape but enhancing it, ensuring equitable access for all residents. The journey towards a more connected Chicago begins with understanding, and we’re excited to lead the way.