When home internet access is too expensive, low-income residents turn to other resources

About 57 percent of Newport News (VA) households had broadband in 2017, according to the Census Bureau. There are a few places southeast Newport News residents can find free Wi-Fi, such as the McDonald’s. Community resources include computer labs at Ridley Place’s Family Investment Center and the Pearl Bailey Public Library on Wickham Avenue, although both have limited hours. For children who are members, Boys and Girls clubs also can provide an opportunity to get online. Hundreds of students in Newport News have gained internet access in the last couple of years thanks to schools and cell phone provider Sprint. Newport News Public Schools started participating in the Sprint 1Million project last school year. Sprint provides mobile devices — either a Wi-Fi hotspot, cellphone or tablet — for free to high school students who don’t have internet access. The district issued about 640 devices in 2018. Newport News director of library services Sonia Alcantara-Antoine said city libraries are working on a plan to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots.