A new map showing locations offering free WiFi offers a potential solution for some students needing to access online classes remotely, but downtown children are left out.
The map, created by Connect Arizona, features over 750 public WiFi hotspots, including libraries, schools and businesses. It is a collaborative effort from Common Sense Media, School Connect, and the Arizona State Library Archives & Public Records, according to their website.
Connect Arizona created the map to help the 1.3 million Arizonans currently without internet access.
With the pandemic still occurring into September, many students are currently attending classes fully online, making the internet crucial to their education.
State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman shared the link to the map in a tweet on Aug. 19, stating that “getting all students and educators connected is essential to successful distance learning — and successful distance learning is essential to keeping our communities safe.”
Getting all students and educators connected is essential to successful distance learning — and successful distance learning is essential to keeping our communities safe.
The new Connect Arizona WiFi map helps families identify free WiFi near them! 👇https://t.co/gFXY2Lt3Ec
— Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) August 19, 2020
Of the nearly 800 hotspots currently listed, only three so far are located in downtown Phoenix: the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown (Monroe Street and Central Avenue), FTI Consulting Phoenix (Washington Street and Central Avenue), and Burton Barr Central Library (Central Avenue and McDowell Road).
While there are 20 more WiFi hotspots on the map in and around the downtown area exclusive to Cox Internet customers, options might be limited for a majority of downtown residents.
While it is unclear if and unlikely that the two private businesses would welcome students needing a place to study, the more public-friendly Burton Barr Central Library is not open at this time, instead offering only curbside services.
Accessing the hotspot may be possible near the vicinity of these locations, but not ideal for long-term use.
At this time, free hotspots may be limited, but users are allowed to add more locations to the map at any time, meaning more hotspots may be updated within the next few weeks.
In addition to hotspots, the Arizona Department of Education shared on twitter that included with the map is “the Arizona Libraries Tech Access Phone Line, which is available free of charge for people who need technical help and support,” in English and Spanish.
If accessing the free hotspots is not possible, Connect Arizona also lists different ways to get internet access at home on their website, including the costs of different internet providers.
To find more hotspot locations and information about Connect Arizona, visit the website at https://sites.google.com/view/azlibtap/home or view the Arizona Free WiFi Map below.
Contact the reporter at hrein@asu.edu.
Hailey Rein is the Education Editor at Downtown Devil and a senior at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass communications. In addition, she is a digital producer at azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic. In her free time, she enjoys being with her dogs and watching a rom-com.
