Hartford Rolls Out Free Citywide Wi-Fi Program

HARTFORD, CT — The city of Hartford and two philanthropic organizations have teamed up to provide free citywide Wi-Fi, according to a statement from the city. The program will cost roughly $3.8 million.

Free internet connectivity will be rolled out in two pilot phases in the Northeast and Frog Hollow neighborhoods. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year with subsequent phases will extend internet coverage throughout the North End, the South End, and then the West End of the city.

City officials stressed that free access to the internet is more important than ever, with many people learning and working from home during the pandemic.

"This project is about bridging the digital divide, fighting for educational equity, and expanding economic opportunity in every Hartford neighborhood," said Mayor Luke Bronin. "Internet connectivity is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of learning, earning, and living today, and we believe that every Hartford resident and every Hartford business deserves a good quality internet connection. We’re going to make that happen through this public-private partnership, and I am incredibly grateful to Dalio Education and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for sharing our vision and making this tremendous investment in our community."

The goal is to provide a minimum of LTE-standard speed throughout the city at all times and at no cost to residents. The city expects that the majority of city residents will be able to access higher than LTE-speed internet.