Wi-Fi Hot Spot Project

Updated January 25, 2021: Although the state-funded effort is over, a national organization, the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), has offered to donate and install additional Wi-Fi hot spots around the state.  In response to COVID-19, ITDRC established projectConnect, a nationwide effort to provide free community Wi-Fi installations to connect students and families to the internet, especially those living in rural and underserved communities. They have agreed to help the state fill our unmet internet service needs free of cost. A town office, library, general store, or other community space that would like to host a Wi-Fi hot spot can submit a request to the ITDRC directly. Each request will be evaluated for need, sustainability, and community impact.

Prior to the widespread closure of facilities due to the COVID-19 outbreak, medical providers and their patients, and students and their teachers, customarily met in person in offices and classrooms. COVID-19 and social distancing requirements have necessitated telehealth consultations and teleschooling/remote learning that, under non-pandemic circumstances, could have been conducted – if necessary and unavailable at home – via internet connections inside a library, coffee shop, or other public internet access point. The need for ubiquitous access to high-speed internet connections for healthcare, education, and government services has grown exponentially while existing public access points have become suddenly unavailable due to social distancing requirements.

The Vermont Department of Public Service addressed this emergency gap and prevented additional harm by contracting for the rapid installation of 190 commercial-grade outdoor Wireless Access Points around the state of Vermont that are accessible by vehicle in order to facilitate this emergency provision of adequate wireless internet and Wi-Fi calling services for telehealth, contact tracing, distance learning, e-government, remote working, and other COVID-19-related needs.

Phase 1: Identifying Wi-Fi Hotspots 
Phase 2: Microsoft/RTO Wireless Access Point Donation (35 Sites)
Phase 3: State of Vermont Wi-Fi Hotspot Program

List of All Official Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

Phase 1: Identifying Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Department prepared a map of public buildings in Vermont where WiFi with access to the internet is publicly available as a resource for remote learning and working from home. These sites are accessible at all hours from a parked vehicle on the road or parking lot.  As a COVID-19 safety precaution, we discourage users from entering the premises or congregating outside.  These sites should be accessed from within a parked vehicle. This information was compiled through an email survey of schools, libraries, and town offices conducted in March 2020. 

Note: The map on the left and the list below may not be complete.

PUBLIC HOTSPOT MAP

Phase 2: Microsoft/RTO Wireless Access Point Donation

On April 16, 2020, Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Public Service announced an innovative collaboration with several partners that will increase internet access by means of public Wi-Fi hotspots for dozens of rural towns in Vermont.

“Broadband remains a critical resource for Vermonters in rural areas to stay connected and work and learn remotely during our Stay Home, Stay Safe period…. We are grateful to our partners at Microsoft, RTO Wireless and Up And Running I.T. for their assistance in providing this important service,” said Governor Scott.

“Microsoft approached RTO Wireless about teaming up on deploying free public Wi-Fi at venues located in rural communities that lack sufficient broadband coverage,” said RTO’s CEO Steve Hubbard. “Microsoft offered to fund the purchase and installation of the hotspot devices.” 

Consumers expressed their gratitude at finally being able to have access to reliable broadband service: 

• "Wheelock is a small rural town of 850 people in Caledonia County. The new Wi-Fi Hot Spot installed at Wheelock  Town Hall on April 11, 2020 is our first Hot Spot in the town, and we know it is making a difference.”
• "I believe in miracles! Justin came and installed the hotspot – and now there is cell reception at the [Huntington] Recreation Field and the adjacent parking lot that also serves the Town Office - Fire Station - Town Garage complex."  
• Letter of thanks from Town of Highgate to RTO Wireless

Phase 3: State of Vermont Wi-Fi Hotspot Program

The Wireless Access Points have been deployed based on the following criteria

- Are there existing quality Wi-Fi hotspots in the community?

- Does the school district have a large number of households without broadband access?

- Is the location in a town center without cell service? The devices allow Wi-Fi calling.

- Does access exist in the community but is not affordable?

-- Has the Regional Planning Commission or Communications Union District identified a need for an equipment upgrade at a location.

- Is there a special-use case, such as a shelter or the community gathering space for a high-risk population?

- Did the site request a hotspot during Phase 2 that was unable to be honored?

- Will the site gain new connectivity as a result of a Connectivity Initiative award?

- Variety of available Wi-Fi sites.  Schools may not be available for public access when in session.

- Is the location a regional center or a geographically distinct village within a town

List of Wi-Fi Hotspots Deployed