Need Free WiFi? We Have a Map for That
Contact:
Robert Elder, Communications Director, TRLA | relder@trla.org (512) 374-2764
Need Free WiFi? We Have a Map for That
Sept. 17, 2020
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, in partnership with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Texas Legal Services Center, has launched the Texas Free WiFi Map.
The searchable, interactive online map provides the location and log-in information for more than 500 public drive-up WiFi hotspots provided by Texas libraries and schools. The project is regularly adding additional free hotspots to the map, which was primarily developed by Lizzie Shackney, director of analytics and research for TRLA.
The WiFi map allows Texans to enter their address and search for available locations outside. Additional features include security tips for users and the ability to create, download, and print custom maps of public WiFi locations.
The map is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Millions of Texans do not have reliable home internet access. In Texas, 34% of K-12 students lack adequate access to the internet, and 25% of these students do not have devices at home for distance learning, according to a 2020 report by Common Sense Media.
The WiFi map also provides a way for people to interact with their community, state and local governmental entities, and to attend virtual court hearings.
Due to the pandemic, many traditional outlets that provided free indoor WiFi are closed or limiting capacity. More information about the Texas Free WiFi Map project is available at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/tech/wifimap.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid provides free legal services to people who cannot afford an attorney in 68 southwestern counties, including the entire Texas-Mexico border. TRLA attorneys specialize in more than 45 areas of the law, including disaster assistance, family, employment, foreclosure, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, housing, education, immigration, farmworker, and civil rights. Our hotline is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CST) Monday – Friday: (956) 996-8752.