OC Public Libraries' WiFi on Wheels Pilot Program Launch

Oct

4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

On Tuesday, October 20th, Orange County Public Libraries launched their Wifi on Wheels Pilot Program at Westminster Library. WiFi on Wheels is part of the County’s Internet Access Initiative, a larger project which also includes WiFi extensions at County libraries and WiFi hotspots available for checkout.

“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.”

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 was the first branch to extend WiFi beyond library walls – a service that will be extended to other library branches – and will start providing wireless hotspots for library cardholders starting next week.