Free Apartment Wi-Fi: How States Can Close the Digital Divide in Affordable Multi-Dwelling Units

Free Apartment Wi-Fi networks are the most cost-effective strategy for states to close the digital divide. Twenty to twenty-five percent of the digital divide is concentrated in affordable multi-dwelling units (MDU). By allocating less than 18% of their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds to deploy hotel-style Wi-Fi networks in these buildings, states can quickly and cost effectively impact the digital divide for millions of unconnected households. Congress has designated Free Apartment Wi-Fi networks as priority use of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds. The IIJA designates the installation of Free Apartment Wi-Fi networks in substantially unserved affordable multifamily housing as a priority broadband deployment. This creates an unprecedented opportunity to bring affordable high-speed internet to historically marginalized communities and those living on lower incomes. Additionally, several states, including Nevada, New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts, are using Capital Project Funds (CPF) to install Free Apartment Wi-Fi networks in MDUs. BEAD requires states to connect the 9,417 MDUs that the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Map identified as unserved and underserved. Free Apartment Wi-Fi is the most cost-effective way to meet this requirement. A state action plan for deploying Free Apartment Wi-Fi includes the following steps: 1) Commit BEAD and Digital Equity Act (DEA) funding to deploy Free Apartment Wi-Fi programs; 2) Include all Free Apartment Wi-Fi eligible MDUs in BEAD initial proposals; 3) Follow NTIA guidance to go beyond the FCC's Broadband Map and determine the connectivity status of MDUs; 4) Work with EducationSuperHighway to identify priority buildings, estimate budgets and develop a statewide implantation plan.