Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is excited to announce that a free community Wi-Fi pilot has officially launched at two of its buildings in Vanier. Known as CommuniFi, the project is managed by National Capital FreeNet (NCF) in partnership with OCH, Hiboo Networks and with funding and technical support from CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority).
The CommuniFi project helps bridge the digital divide for tenants at 251 and 255 Donald Street by providing free Wi-Fi in the common areas of the buildings. For many low-income households, the high cost of home internet and cellphone data creates barriers to accessing essential resources like education, employment opportunities, health services and connection to friends and family. This initiative is designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated to network connection and empower tenants to better navigate the digital world.
The introduction of free Wi-Fi transforms the common areas of the buildings into a hub for learning, support and social engagement. It creates opportunities to host essential onsite support programs, social activities and community events. Community partners can also leverage the free Wi-Fi to deliver events, programs and workshops, providing tenants with access to a variety of resources and opportunities within their buildings.
Recognizing that digital access also requires digital skills, NCF’s award-winning HelpDesk will host tailored workshops and information sessions to assist tenants in using the free Wi-Fi network. The workshops aim to equip tenants with the knowledge to fully benefit from the opportunities that the connectivity provides.
OCH is proud to play a key role in expanding digital access beyond these buildings. By hosting the necessary infrastructure, OCH is enabling NCF to extend the pilot project to at least 10 other community organizations in the coming year, strengthening digital inclusion and building more connected communities.
Free Wi-Fi Pilot Project Launches in Two Ottawa Community Housing Buildings
Posted in Commentary with tags Ottawa Community Housing on December 12, 2024 by itnerdOttawa Community Housing (OCH) is excited to announce that a free community Wi-Fi pilot has officially launched at two of its buildings in Vanier. Known as CommuniFi, the project is managed by National Capital FreeNet (NCF) in partnership with OCH, Hiboo Networks and with funding and technical support from CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority).
The CommuniFi project helps bridge the digital divide for tenants at 251 and 255 Donald Street by providing free Wi-Fi in the common areas of the buildings. For many low-income households, the high cost of home internet and cellphone data creates barriers to accessing essential resources like education, employment opportunities, health services and connection to friends and family. This initiative is designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated to network connection and empower tenants to better navigate the digital world.
The introduction of free Wi-Fi transforms the common areas of the buildings into a hub for learning, support and social engagement. It creates opportunities to host essential onsite support programs, social activities and community events. Community partners can also leverage the free Wi-Fi to deliver events, programs and workshops, providing tenants with access to a variety of resources and opportunities within their buildings.
Recognizing that digital access also requires digital skills, NCF’s award-winning HelpDesk will host tailored workshops and information sessions to assist tenants in using the free Wi-Fi network. The workshops aim to equip tenants with the knowledge to fully benefit from the opportunities that the connectivity provides.
OCH is proud to play a key role in expanding digital access beyond these buildings. By hosting the necessary infrastructure, OCH is enabling NCF to extend the pilot project to at least 10 other community organizations in the coming year, strengthening digital inclusion and building more connected communities.
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