DETROIT – There are families in communities across the City of Detroit who don’t have convenient access to the internet right now. That’s a big problem. It’s also a challenge the city and its partners are working to tackle.
The City of Detroit announced free public Wi-Fi is now available at five local parks. In a city that is on track to becoming a booming technology hub, Wi-Fi and internet are becoming more critical in many communities and homes.
“As a student and as a rising senior, it’s important for me,” said high school student Miranda Pasaye. “I’m getting ready to apply to college.”
However, access to Wi-Fi hasn’t always been easy. That’s why the access is changing. This week, the City of Detroit announced it is offering free public Wi-Fi in Bradby, Chandler, McDuffy, Clark, and Palmer Parks.
Free wireless charging station towers are also available in each of those parks.
“I think it’s a monumental game changer,” said Art Thompson, Chief Information Officer with the City of Detroit. “You know, we went from, prior to the pandemic, probably one of the least connected cities in the nation. And my mission, my goal is to change that. We need to be one of the most connected cities.”
The free public Wi-Fi access is part of a pilot project between the city and its partners Detroit Parks Coalition and Connect 313. Grants from Detroit Pistons, the Knight Foundation, and Rocket Community Fund are helping launch the project.
“About 30 percent of Detroiters don’t have access to the internet in their homes,” explained Autumn Evans with Rocket Community Fund. “So, being able to access the internet in a public space is one more way for them to connect to the digital world. They can look for jobs. They can access social services. They can do their homework.”
Organizers said the goal is expanding internet accessibility and bridging the digital divide.
“There’s a lot of people coming to the park and actually using the charging stations and the Wi-Fi,” said high school student Ana Diaz.
City workers said the public will have access to the free Wi-Fi and charging stations during park hours, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.