Deploying free WiFi in apartment buildings to close the digital divide

A national nonprofit backed by Silicon Valley luminaries is proposing to set up free WiFi in apartment buildings as one solution to an intractable problem — ensuring those who have access to the internet can actually afford it. While there are public and private programs meant to help lower the cost of internet service, such as the Federal Communications Commission's Emergency Broadband Benefit program, barriers remain for millions of US households. Included in EducationSuperhighway's new report is a proposal to deploy free Wifi networks in low-income apartment buildings. In "America's most unconnected communities," 20% to 25% of those without broadband access live in apartment buildings, according to the new report. Deploying free WiFi networks in these buildings, using federal funding, could ensure families can afford service and avoid some of the bureaucratic hurdles of enrolling in government programs. Building free WiFi networks in apartment buildings will be no small feat; Potential barriers to the broader effort include working with old buildings that make WiFi networks challenging and ensuring that the monthly cost to landlords is low enough that they can afford the service. EducationSuperHighway intends to work with trusted community-based organizations, such as schools, to create broadband adoption centers that will reach out to eligible households and help them enroll.