Free Public Wi-Fi Expanded in Middletown Through Community Broadband Partnership

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Residents and visitors in parts of Middletown now have access to free high-speed public Wi-Fi following the completion of a community broadband project led by the city and several local institutions.

City officials announced this week that new wireless networks are now active at Harbor Park along the Connecticut River waterfront and throughout the North End neighborhood surrounding 51 Green St., expanding internet access in public recreation spaces and underserved residential areas.

Subscribe

The project was completed through a partnership between the City of Middletown, Wesleyan University, Middletown Public Schools, YMCA of Middletown and Russell Library.

Officials said the wireless networks — eduRoam, CTPublicWiFi and City of Middletown Public WiFi — became operational ahead of the city’s annual fireworks festival scheduled for June 27 and will remain available year-round for residents, students and visitors.

The initiative aims to improve internet access in areas where affordable commercial broadband options are limited, allowing residents to connect to educational resources, employment opportunities and other essential online services without leaving their neighborhoods.

The city installed its portion of the network through its Technology Services Department, with Infrastructure Engineer Eldon Bailey and Network Administrator Amy Ekblade overseeing deployment.

The project was funded through a Connecticut Education Network Community Wi-Fi Grant administered by Wesleyan University as part of the state’s broader effort to expand broadband access in underserved communities.

According to city officials, grant funding came through the Connecticut Education Network’s Broadband Infrastructure Program, supported by the federal American Rescue Plan Act Capital Project Fund.

Partner organizations completed a range of upgrades as part of the initiative, including improved wireless infrastructure at Russell Library, expanded outdoor Wi-Fi coverage at school athletic facilities operated by Middletown Public Schools, new fiber-connected internet access at the local YMCA, and municipal Wi-Fi expansion in public spaces managed by the city.

City officials said Middletown’s portion of the project was completed under budget through vendor negotiations and cost-saving procurement efforts, increasing the overall value of the grant-funded initiative.