Los Angeles County debuts online map of publicly available internet access
A selfie-stick is used for cellphone photos after sunset in Los Angeles, California on April 24, 2020. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County on Friday debuted an online map to help people find publicly accessible wireless Internet.
The WiFi Locator map can be found at findwifi.lacounty.gov and county residents can dial 2-1-1 to obtain information from the map.
"Today, Los Angeles County is taking a step forward to bridge the gap of Internet access, an issue that during the COVID-19 pandemic can quickly become a matter of survival," County Supervisor Janice Hahn said. "Disasters can act as catalysts, driving change in how programs and services are offered. The Wi-Fi Locator tool is an example of that."
The WiFi Locator has a search feature that connects people, based on their physical address, to various Internet-related services, such as internet access for students and the location of free Wi-Fi spots throughout the county, including free hotspots at or nearby county libraries and parks.
It also provides contact information for both residential and commercial broadband Internet service providers and mobile Internet providers serving the address.
During the pandemic, Internet access has become vital for schools to conduct online learning programs, but according to American Community Survey Data for the county, about 210,000 children have a computer at home but lack an Internet connection.
Nearly 283,000 households do not have Internet access, according to the data.