Applications Open For Free Wireless Internet In Tucson

TUCSON, AZ — Applications are now open for free wireless internet in Tucson, thanks to a federally-funded program.

The city of Tucson is using $4 million in federal CARES Act grant money to fund the Community Wireless Program and help dissolve the digital divide made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. The money is set aside for people in low-income areas who need internet access to work or go to school.

Census data showed that 10,798 households in the city do not have access to the internet, according to the Arizona Daily Star. Approximately 5,000 routers will be distributed to community members in need through the Community Wireless Program.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and the Tucson City Council voted to approve the program in August.

In order to qualify, you must have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic, have a household member who is enrolled in school or over 60 years old and live in one of the areas covered by the city's access points. People who are at high risk for contracting the coronavirus are also eligible for free internet.

The first households in the coverage area will have service by the beginning of January, with the others to follow by the end of the month. Find out if your home is included in the program's coverage map online.

Officials used census data to identify Tucson neighborhoods most impacted by the digital divide by looking at income levels, population and whether there was coverage available from other broadband services such as CenturyLink and Cox.

Tucsonans can apply online or call (520) 791-2608 for more information.