Charlotte Unveils Plan to Provide Free Wi-Fi to Over 5,000 Homes

Thanks to Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Charlotte is making remarkable strides toward digital inclusion.

Charlotte city leaders announced this week an expanded version of the “Access Charlotte” initiative, which aims to “improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces,” WBTV reports.

Households within the designated Access Charlotte program area will be eligible for free internet access even if they’re not currently a Spectrum customer, according to the City of Charlotte.

Residents who receive Internet access through another provider are encouraged to request a self-installation kit through Spectrum in order to receive free access within those eligible households. A specialized Spectrum service number has been provided to accommodate these requests: (855) 326-5115.

Customers will not be expected to pay for modem fees, contracts, or data caps through Access Charlotte. Digital navigators will also be available through the program to help offer technical support, information about other available resources, and digital literacy training.

To request assistance from these digital navigators, customers can use the CLT+ app, or call 311 from their phone.

Funding for Access Charlotte comes from President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act. The city of Charlotte is implementing a two-year program to pay for the internet services, in addition to putting money toward the digital navigators.

Additional information—including who qualifies as an eligible household—can be found at the Smart Charlotte website.

READ MORE: Because of Federal Grants, 23 North Carolina Counties Are Finally Going to Get Broadband Internet