Minneapolis Delivers Free Internet Access to More Than 100 Wi-Fi Hot Spots

In recent years, Minneapolis has been one of the key cities working to get its residents connected to free Internet. In 2006, the city signed a contract with USI Wireless to build a citywide wireless network.

Now as part of that ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide, the city announced 117 "Wireless Minneapolis" hot spots for residents and visitors to access the Internet for no charge.

"A wireless city benefits everyone in the community whether you're a resident, business owner or visitor," said City Council Member Gary Schiff, chair of the city's Information Services Policy Steering Group, in a statement. "By investing in the tools, training and technology necessary to increase Internet access for all, we've found new ways to connect to our community and for our community to connect to the world."

When connected to one of the hot spots, users can access any website on the Internet for up to one hour. When that time expires, the session ends. But users can log on again for extended access. For homeland security purposes, a credit card will be required to access the Internet at a hot spot, but the card will not be charged, according to the city.

The 10-year contract between Minneapolis and USI Wireless, a private company, was established to provide the city with broadband technology that delivers more effective and efficient Internet services. In choosing the locations for the hot spots, the city looked for places with a high concentration of people, such as parks, plazas, schools and businesses. To find an access point, residents should look for signs that say, "Free Wireless Minneapolis Hotspot Courtesy: City of Minneapolis USI Wireless." The free wireless signal will be available up to 600 feet from the sign. For a list and map of locations, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/wirelessminneapolis.

"We are very fortunate that our citywide wireless network gives us the opportunity to provide people with free Internet access at these Wireless Minneapolis hot spots," said City Council Member Elizabeth Glidden, who is a member of the Digital Inclusion Fund Advisory Board. "These hot spots are just some of the many community benefits designed to bridge the digital divide that goes far beyond what any other city in the country has negotiated."

In addition to the hot spots, the city and USI Wireless offer free "Wireless Community" accounts to nonprofit organizations that provide free computer access to the public. Also an online "Civic Garden" offers free access to public-sector information about government, education and community services at www.wirelessminneapolis.org.

"These new hot spots are another benchmark in our work to bridge the digital divide and create economic and educational opportunity for everyone," said Mayor R.T. Rybak.