Catawba County, NC Wi-Fi for All provides free Internet access in public locations
Catawba County, NC Wi-Fi for All Internet Access Public
Complete
County officials identified significant gaps in Internet access in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Catawba County Library used a state CARES grant for the installation of hard-wired connections and Wi-Fi routers at seven locations. Wi-Fi access at locations like the Hickory Soup Kitchen and Plaza Latina extended into parking lots for easier public use. Catawba County also stocked library locations with 118 tablets for residents without access to connected devices.
Project Succeeded
Catawba County won a 2022 NCACC Excellence in Innovation Award for the program. Wi-Fi for All reached monthly usage of 15,000 visits within its first year of operation.
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