WiFi Access Initiative

The WiFi Access Initiative is one of the program areas of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program designed to meet the state's digital equity goals.

WiFi systems in affordable (public housing or otherwise subsidized by federal or state sources) multi-unit buildings or in low income neighborhoods will provide free, in-unit, broadband use. Partners will work with affordable housing developers, public housing officials, and other property owners to identify properties whose residents face either an affordability or adoption barrier to a household broadband subscription. Adoption barriers include language barriers, lack of needed documentation to sign up for an internet subscription, other literacy challenges, and/or affordability and financial concerns.
 
Once a target location (a property, group of properties, or neighborhood) is identified, the Partner organization will procure the needed technical assistance, if necessary, to design an appropriate technology solution to providing in-unit WiFi internet access in the building(s), as well as a building-level internet subscription that will be held by the property owner. The Partner will then grant funds to the property owner to procure the services directly from a qualified vendor. Once procured, the Partner will work with the housing owner(s)/developer(s) to ensure the effective installation of such a system and the ongoing functionality and maintenance of the WiFi for residents.

Awarded Projects