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Possible Solutions
Possible Solutions
There are a few main solutions to the problem of Digital Access that currently exist today. It is also possible that a combination of these things may be the best option for you and your community.
Community Wifi Map
Community Wifi Map
Some communities have worked together to map out the existing free wifi locations currently available. This involves a close partnership with your organization, your local city, and local business owners. Basically, in conjunction with the city, you will want to go out and meet local business owners. Talk to them about your goals (remember that "elevator pitch?") and see if they would be willing to be listed on your wifi registry. Then you will generate a database or map of local wifi partners. Consider creating a poster, sticker, or badge to designate those connected to your wifi consortium.
Check out how Forsyth County Schools (FCS) in Georgia tackled this process. (Mapping Community Wifi Access)
Pros:
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Collaborative
- Builds community relationships
Cons:
Cons:
- Who monitors students or use?
- Rely on local business partnerships
Hotspot Check Out Program
Hotspot Check Out Program
Purchase a set of hotspot devices (and maybe a computing device to go with it) and operate a check out program within your organization. These devices can have educational filters and many companies design them specifically for students.
A few hotspot solutions to consider are Kajeet, Sprint, T-Mobile. Kajeet even includes some additional funding resources that may support any carrier solution. (Bearden, 2018)
Variations of hotspot devices can also be installed on buses as well. This might be a solution for your organization too.
Pros:
Pros:
- Secure and monitored
- You are in control
- Flexible for students
Cons:
Cons:
- Expensive
- Ongoing investment (service costs)
Community Wifi
Community Wifi
Some cities have developed community wifi systems. Access points are strategically placed throughout neighborhood and business districts. In some cases, access points on schools can be boosted to cover large swaths of local communities. These projects may be subsidized by the city or a local benefactor.
Pros:
Pros:
- Helps the whole community
Cons:
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Limited to close-proximity communities
- Some communities have expressed health concerns
- May not be allowed under local legislation
Existing Broadband Support
Existing Broadband Support
Several Internet providers offer low-cost solutions for families based on need. Promoting these solutions with your stakeholders can be a good solution for some communities. This still does rely on the families to make the commitment and fund their solution.
A non-profit organization called EveryoneOn offers a location-based list of providers in your area that might help your community. (Bearden, 2018)
Pros:
Pros:
- Multiple options for families
- Low overhead for organizations
Cons:
Cons:
- Still a cost for families and responsibility to sign up
- May be difficult in communities serving immigrants (hesitancy to list personal information)
Deciding on Your Solution
Deciding on Your Solution
Based on your community and the results from your Access survey/interviews/pilot programs, you will need to decide on the best option for you. Consider the willingness of other community partners and also the ability of your patrons to be about to travel to wifi. These details are important for the wifi map solution. Also consider if you have funding available which may support the hotspot option or the community wifi. The low-cost provider solutions will still leave some responsibility on your stakeholders.
In Ogden School District, we eventually landed on the hotspot solution. We were nervous about who would monitor students under the wifi map solution and liked the commitment to families (everyone could use the device). We were also able to commit some funds that will maintain the project over time.
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