Amidst a once-in-a-generation pandemic, staying connected via high-speed Wi-Fi is more important than ever for students, workers, individuals and families. As work continues at the federal level and in the FCC to help bring Wi-Fi access to all Americans, communities across the United States are working to provide connectivity for those in need.
Take a look at our roundup from the past seven days on how communities across the nation are working to close the digital divide with hotspots, “Wi-Fi on Wheels” and beyond:
- Sullivan County, New York equipped a yellow school bus with full internet access and multiple charging stations, allowing up to six students at a time to learn via “Wi-Fi on Wheels.” Following the pandemic, the bus will continue to be used by nonprofits for job fairs, education tours and more.
- The Contra Costa County Library in California began allowing citizens to check out portable Wi-Fi hotspots to help provide connectivity for those who lack quality access to the internet in the community. Residents can check out the hotspots t for 21 days at a time and renew at any time.
- To help bridge the gap for those who do not have reliable internet services at home, Rehobeth, Alabama has equipped a walking trail and park with Wi-Fi access hotspots, allowing residents to work and browse from the park’s picnic tables.
- The Crenshaw Family YMCA in Los Angeles, California opened a learning hub this past Wednesday that will help underserved students attend their classes virtually. At the YMCA, students receive free Wi-Fi services, laptops and tutoring from trained professionals.
- Following a donation from the Camden-Wyoming Rotary Club, the Caesar Rodney School District in Wyoming, Delaware will receive five Wi-Fi-equipped “hotspot” buses to support students and improve the remote learning process.