How San Rafael, California Built a Wi-Fi Network During a Pandemic

San Rafael (CA) is in the process of launching a new mesh Wi-Fi network for one of its most densely populated neighborhoods, doing so as a response to the COVID-19 crisis. The overarching goal is to ensure that residents there — particularly students — are able to get online. Officials say that the new network — which the city and its collaborators essentially built from scratch between now and when the virus broke out in March — will reach roughly 2,000 students, who may need the connectivity to attend school come fall, depending on the status of public space reopenings. This mesh Wi-Fi network came together quickly as a result of collaboration between public and private funders, volunteer expertise from the community, and government officials in the digital equity space acting as a convener.