Wireless Innovation for Every Citizen
The Rhode Island Wireless Innovation Networks (RI-WINs)—BIF's effort to make Rhode Island the first state in the country with a border-to-border, broadband wireless network—is pioneering a new model for wireless innovation in business, healthcare, education, government services, and public safety.
In 2004, the RI-WINs team worked with government, emergency management, and police, fire and public safety officials to identify a "wish list" of critical need applications that a statewide wireless platform would enable.
The output was unanimous: a ubiquitous wireless network is central to any plan for creating stronger, more efficient and effective civic services.
RI-WINs is powering applications across the public sector, each of which demonstrates the critical need for wireless communication and data sharing across a common network platform.
Current Applications
Port Security Communications Network (PSCN) Project
Through RI-WINs, BIF is partnering in a unique port security communications demonstration project funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In collaboration with various state agencies and a team of industry leaders, RI-WINs is helping to power a network that allows government agencies and emergency personnel to share and distribute real-time information about activity in Narragansett Bay.
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF)—Child Abuse Investigations
RI-WINs is providing network connectivity to a team of child abuse investigators who are testing new strategies for using wireless communications to enhance field work. In addition to providing investigators will real-time access to critical databases, testers also exploring ways in which network access can increase productivity during daily operations.
Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH)—Food Inspections
Imagine a world where DOH restaurant inspectors can use a web-based inspection system that provides real-time data exchange. In cases where infectious disease or food contamination is a threat, real-time connectivity has the potential to save lives. Food inspectors in coverage areas are testing wireless applications using a tablet-based food inspection application.
RI Department of Transportation (DOT)—Mobile Employee Access
Simple yet invaluable, RI-WINs is working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to provide wireless access to DOT field personnel who need to transmit data and video from remote cameras.