WiFi? Why Not!

Prospect Park is and DUMBO already has it. So why not Park Slope?

That’s exactly the question that Romio, a local social networking website, is asking.

Last week the site launched “a grassroots web campaign” that aims to eventually bring free wireless Internet to the whole neighborhood.

“We’ve heard around the neighborhood that one of the things Slopers would really like in Park Slope is free WiFi,” said Kiki Reginato, a Digital Media Associate for Romio. “We’re a new social media website that’s all about connecting neighborhoods, so we thought, ‘Why not?’”

Reginato said that Romio is first testing the water, gauging local interest in the idea through their website, Facebook and Twitter. Those interested in getting free WiFi in the Sloper simply need to show their support by commenting on the Park Slope WiFi comments thread on the Romio website or Facebook, or tweeting with the tag #LinkPS.

Then the site hopes to bring NYCwireless on board, the non-profit group that worked to bring DUMBO free WiFi just last month.

In DUMBO, NYCwireless partnered with Two Trees Management Company, the largest real estate holder in the neighborhood, which put up the cash and donated the space to install wireless antennas. Two Trees spent around $65,000 to have the antennas and other equipment installed. The building, installation, and maintenance of the WiFi network was and is handled by NYCwireless.

For a similar deal to be struck in Park Slope, Romio and NYCwireless would need to track down an equally generous local developer, willing to bank roll the endeavor and fork over the space.

Though Romio’s project is still in the early stages, Reginato said that so far they have received overwhelming support for the idea.

“We’re kind of putting out feelers to see if this is what people want,” said Reginato. “And it seems like it is.”