Interview with Shaheim Dejesus of Unity Now Networks
Shaheim Dejesus, is the founder of Unity Now Networks, a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) focused on Broadband Internet Services to unserved or underserved communities in Hudson NY.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Shaheim DeJesus. A Hudson resident, born and raised. I’ve spent most of my career so far working with youth and freelancing in different kinds of tech work around the city before taking a leap and starting Unity Now.
How did you start up Unity Now?
I started Unity Now in Hudson during the pandemic. Before this it had only ever been a pipe dream of mine. With COVID forcing everyone into their homes, I partnered with a local organization (The Spark of Hudson) to bring hotspots to families for remote learning. This to me exposed a need for a reliable and affordable internet option aside from the already existing.
What is the ultimate goal of Unity Now?
Over the next few years I hope to grow Unity Now and adapt it to be able to serve what I hoped could be its true purpose. Internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. We live in an age where our entire lives revolve around it so families should not have to go without. For this reason I hope Unity Now can serve as an entity that specializes in building municipal networks that benefit the community.
Full disclosure: The Spark’s sister company, Eutopia Ventures, is an investor in UnityNow.
