Wi-Fi Hotspots Activated For Community Use In Southwest Detroit
We know that you need Wi-Fi access, and you need it now.
That’s why the Equitable Internet Initiative (Eii) of Southwest Detroit is in the process of installing public hotspots at different locations around the community.
Access to information and communication are such important parts of staying healthy, informed, and connected to each other under shelter in place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even if you already have internet in your home or on your phone it might not be doing everything you need it to during this unique time—unreliable connections, speed caps, and data limits can affect your ability to stay in touch or get information when you need it.
Locations
Currently there are two public hotspots in the neighborhood and Eii is working on building with different community partners and schools to add more public hotspots.
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, 8300 Longworth, Detroit, MI 48209.
Grace In Action, 1725 Lawndale, Detroit, MI 48209.
There is no password so it is very easy to access and use. Just access the Wi-Fi Network: EII-GO-Free-WiFi on your cell phone or laptop.
These public hotspots will help anyone in need of the use of internet whether it's for homework, work, activities or just for fun. We know times are difficult and we want to offer our families and community access to the internet during this hard time.
There will be more locations coming soon so check back here for updates. See the FAQs below to learn how you can help bring new hotspots to your side of the community. Until then you can access the internet at the locations above.
Just pull up and access the network free of charge!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this service free to the community?
Thanks to our partner locations where our hotspots are hosted, we are able to provide the Wi-Fi free of charge.
Will it work on my cell phone and/or laptop?
Any device that can connect to wifi can connect to our hotspots.
How fast is it and can I game on the hotspot’s Wi-Fi?
On any device you can get up to 8MGBs p/s download and 2 mgbs upload, per person. This will allow people enough speed that they are able to comfortably explore the internet, watch videos, do homework and listen to music. Wifi speeds can alter determined by how many users are on the network downloading and uploading media at a time.
Is there a limit to how much data I can use?
There is no cap on data usage currently.
How can we access the hotspot while maintaining social distancing?
The hotspots are placed in strategic places that allow enough space to practice social distancing properly and stay safe. For example: parks, community centers with large parking lots. We recommend not sharing devices between people without sanitizing hands or devices prior. Make sure that you are 6 feet away from others not within your household at these locations.
How can our block get a hotspot?
Contact one of our Eii representatives by phone or e-mail to set up a site survey.
Additionally if you know of any local community businesses, non-profit organizations, or churches with open space nearby that are interested in being a host for a high-speed community Wi-Fi hotspot please call an Eii representative immediately to get things moving.
Ask your favorite local business, organization, or church—you may be surprised to find how easy it is to help your community get connected!
Who Are We?
The Equitable Internet Initiative is a collaboration between the Detroit Community Technology Project, Allied Media Projects, Grace in Action Collectives, NEWCC, and the Church of the Messiah's Boulevard Harambe Program.
In 2016, we began working together to ensure that more Detroit residents have the ability to leverage digital technologies for social and economic development.
While we are figuring out how to get Wi-Fi Into your home while adhering to social distancing guidelines we want to offer you a free way to use Wi-Fi immediately and safely and that is why we are providing these access points in your community.
Eii of Southwest Detroit is in the process of developing a worker owned, utility cooperative to continue to increase Internet access through the distribution of shared Gigabit Internet connections in and around Grace In Action on Lawndale while increasing internet knowledge by offering internet training to residents of Southwest Detroit.