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Bridging the Digital Divide: OC Launches WiFi on Wheels Pilot Program
Orange County’s new WiFi on Wheels pilot program will bring free broadband connectivity to neighborhoods most in need.
“When COVID-19 prompted the closure of schools followed by an economic crisis caused by the subsequent business shutdown, we witnessed a spike in demand for broadband connectivity,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Low-income families, in particular, have been most severely affected; many students have had to rely on their parents’ smartphones for their schoolwork.”
According to the most recent figures from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), about 18 million people across the country lack access to broadband internet. And in areas where broadband is available, approximately 100 million people still do not subscribe for various reasons, cost being one of them. These figures have increased since the start of the pandemic.
Earlier this spring, Supervisor Do met with county departments to address this rising need in the community. Supervisor Do proposed using county libraries, mobile bookmobiles, as well as free WiFi hotspots to help community members overcome this digital divide. As a result, Orange County’s Community Resources Department developed WiFi on Wheels, a new mobile internet pilot program that will provide free access to high-speed internet in disadvantaged communities across Orange County.
Each week, WiFi on Wheels trailers will be parked at designated locations during specified hours and will provide broadband access for up to 150 users within a 300-yard radius.
WiFi on Wheels is part of the County’s Internet Access Initiative: Bridging the Digital Divide, a larger project which also includes WiFi extensions at County libraries and WiFi hotspots available for checkout.
The Westminster County Library is the first branch to extend WiFi beyond library walls – a service that will soon extend to other library branches – and will start providing wireless hotspots for library cardholders starting next week.
WiFi on Wheels Pilot Program Launch
The WiFi on Wheels pilot program will launch the last week of October in neighborhoods throughout the cities of Westminster and Midway City and will expand to other parts of the County in the following weeks.
“Orange County’s commitment to technology access has been a long-lasting effort in bridging the digital divide, particularly among low-income families,” said Supervisor Do. Without equal access to broadband connectivity, already disadvantaged youth will fall even further behind in their academics.”
WiFi on Wheels Kick-Off Event
On October 20, OC Public Libraries will host a social distance kick-off event at the Westminster Library from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Families are encouraged to stop by and check out some of the services offered by County libraries including registering for a library card, job search resources, information about free loaner laptops, as well as wireless hotspots. Families will also receive other giveaways, while supplies last.
“Internet access is more important than ever for students to stay on top of their schoolwork and for families to access job opportunities and telehealth services, among many other services,” said Supervisor Do.
“With the new WiFi extension, that will soon be placed at all County libraries, residents can sit outside of the library to access the internet, while still practicing socially distance guidelines to keep each other safe.”
WiFi on Wheels Trailer Locations
DeMille Elementary
Address: 15400 Van Buren Street, Midway City, CA 92655
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fryberger Elementary
Address: 6952 Hood Drive, Westminster, CA 92683
Date: Wednesday, October 28
Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Schmitt Elementary
Address: 7200 Trask Avenue, Westminster, CA 92683
Date: Thursday, October 29
Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Willmore Elementary
Address: 7122 Maple Street, Westminster, CA 92683
Date: Friday, October 30
Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Goldstein Freedom Park
Address: 14180 All American Way, Westminster, CA 92683
Date: Saturday, October 31
Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For more information about the WiFi on Wheels program and updates on OC Public Libraries’ services, visit www.ocpl.org.
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Orange County Vice Chairman Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and Midway City. One of the first officials in the state to propose a face covering mandate, Supervisor Andrew Do is advocating for science-based COVID-19 policies. In addition to health and safety-based COVID-19 response planning, Vice Chairman Do has reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness.
