PHILADELPHIA – The Office of Innovation and Technology is taking a major step forward in bridging the digital divide by launching the Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder that helps residents find nearby available Wi-Fi and the Philly Free Wi-Fi Dashboard that provides transparency on the initiative to install high-quality internet in 180+ City-owned sites. These tools, powered by an open dataset, are designed to improve access to the internet for residents and provide key insights for industry professionals.
Following Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s announcement of the Verizon Franchise Renewal Agreement, the Office of Innovation and Technology reenforced their commitment to ensuring Philadelphians have the resources they need to stay connected. These new tools align with the mission of offering direct access to information on broadband services for both residents and industry stakeholders.
“Expanding access to affordable, high-quality internet is important for Philadelphian’s economic growth, opportunity and active participation in today’s digital economy,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “These tools are helping to close the digital divide, drive innovation, and create a stronger, more connected city for all.”
The Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder is a user-friendly tool designed to help Philadelphians find locations with free, high-speed Wi-Fi that best meet their needs. By simply entering their address, residents can explore locations nearby with reliable internet access.
Key features include:
- Easy address-based search for Free City Wi-Fi options and where computer services are available.
- 105 free Wi-Fi sites
- 51 of 108+ Verizon Franchise Agreement completed installations since October 2024
Explore more about the Free Wi-Fi Finder now at: Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder
In addition to helping residents, The Office of Innovation and Technology is also supporting policymakers, internet service providers, community organizations and others with the launch of the Philly Free Wi-Fi Dashboard. This platform offers real-time data on broadband access, adoption trends, and areas in need of enhanced connectivity.
Key features include:
- Graphs providing transparency on project completion
- City Wi-Fi coverage maps to identify service gaps
- Detailed demographic information by census tract, zip code, council district
- Census data on broadband and device access
Explore the dashboard here: Philly Free Wi-Fi Dashboard
“Access to reliable, affordable internet is not a luxury. It’s a necessity,” said Melissa Scott, Chief Information Officer for the City of Philadelphia. “With these new tools, the Office of Innovation and Technology is making it easier for residents to get online while also providing industry leaders with the data they need to expand digital access across our city.”
As Philadelphia continues to invest in digital equity, the Office of Innovation and Technology remains committed to supporting residents and industry leaders alike. Together, these tools will help ensure that every Philadelphian has access to the resources they need to thrive.
For more information about the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to closing the digital divide and these new tools, visit DigitalEquityPHL.
About the Open Data Program
The City’s Open Data Program works with departments and technical teams to create comprehensive data services that benefit diverse public audiences. The program publishes new open datasets, maintains and updates existing ones, and manages the infrastructure for data sharing both internally and publicly. As the program evolves, it is increasingly focused on building datasets that power dashboards and finder apps—making City data more accessible and useful to a wider range of stakeholders.