The free WIFI at Donald L. Robertson Park will hopefully be up and running by the time you’re reading this article. While we know that free WIFI at our park will be a nice benefit while guests are enjoying the park, we also know people need more access than WIFI at the park. There are several state, federal, and private programs that help lower the cost of basic internet access for lower-income families. Details of some of the programs are below:
- Oregon Lifeline Program: A federal and state government program that reduces the monthly cost of phone or broadband service for qualifying low-income Oregon households. Call (800) 848-4442 or (503) 373-7171 or visit the Oregon Lifeline page to learn more.
- Emergency Broadband Benefit Program: A federally run program that is using federal COVID-19 stimulus funds to provide a broadband service subsidy (service discount) to low-income households for existing or new broadband services. Call the local library at (503) 988-5123 to speak with someone who can help, or the federal hotline at (833) 511-0311.
- Comcast Internet Essentials Program: A program for a low-cost internet option through Comcast. Start an application through the Online Application Tool in English or Spanish, or call (855) 846-8376 to confirm eligibility and apply.
With the City’s free WIFI, and the service options listed above, we hope to help close the digital divide and start getting everyone connected with the internet.