Broadband equity is not just a rural challenge. The drive-In Wi-Fi hotspot project addresses underserved and economically disadvantaged communities in urban and suburban areas as well. WiFi Hotspots provide free temporary, emergency internet access for Washingtonians who do not have broadband service to their homes.
Resources
Launching primarily as parking lot hotspots in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the free community Wi-Fi is accessible regardless of how users arrive at the locations. Some sites also offer indoor public access during business hours. Everyone using the sites – outside or inside – must practice social distancing and hygiene precautions, including staying in your vehicle or at least six feet from other users and wearing a mask if necessary.
Each hotspot will have its own security protocol. Some will be open and others will have Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) safe security installed. For public library drive-in wifi spots, please contact the public library system directly if you encounter difficulties or have questions.
The Washington State Broadband Office estimates over 300 new drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots are coming online statewide through an initiative to bring free public broadband internet access to all residents. Partners in the state’s drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots project include:
- Washington State University
- Washington State Library, part of the Washington Office of the Secretary of State
- members of the Washington Public Utility Districts Association (WPUDA) and affiliated nonprofit Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet)
- the Washington State Broadband Office
- Washington Independent Telecommunications Association (WITA)
- Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech)
- the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Microsoft and the Avista Foundation are providing funding, and the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), a national nonprofit contributed equipment and installation.