Wi-Fi Hot Spot Project

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 is addressing this emergency gap and preventing additional harm by contracting for the rapid installation of commercial-grade outdoor Wireless Access Points at 50 sites 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. 

For more information please see the Public WiFi Hotspots in Vermont page. 

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

At the conclusion of the Microsoft/RTO phase of the project, a waitlist of over 30 sites remained to be served.  Based on the success of the first phase, the Department of Public Service approved emergency funding for an additional 50 hot spots.  FEMA disaster mitigation funds have been applied to cover the costs of the deployment.

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?

- 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?

List of Wi-Fi Hotspots Deployed