Philadelphia launches public Wi-Fi finder

The Philadelphia Office of Innovation & Technology on Tuesday launched a new tool that allows the public to find reliable Wi-Fi at city-owned locations. It also launched a website for tracking the progress of the city’s efforts to expand internet access.

Both tools — the Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder and the Philly Free Wi-Fi Dashboard — are part of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s efforts to expand internet access across the city. Last summer, Parker announced a renewal of an agreement with Verizon to provide cable services to Philadelphia residents and broadband internet to 183 city-owned recreation centers within two years, and up to 261 additional city-owned properties at the city’s choosing. So far, 51 of 108 announced Wi-Fi installations have been completed since October of last year.

Residents can use the Wi-Fi finder tool to search through 105 locations that offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi by entering their address. The Wi-Fi dashboard is intended to offer policymakers, internet service providers, community organizations and others with real-time data about broadband access, adoption trends and areas in need of enhanced connectivity.

The dashboard includes graphs displaying project timelines, coverage maps and detailed demographic information about broadband and device access.

“Expanding access to affordable, high-quality internet is important for Philadelphian’s economic growth, opportunity and active participation in today’s digital economy,” Parker said in a news release. “These tools are helping to close the digital divide, drive innovation, and create a stronger, more connected city for all.”