Fort Worth partners with Cisco to promote digital inclusion in underserved neighborhoods

Cisco has partnered with the City of Fort Worth in Texas to announce expanded, free Wi-Fi access in neighborhoods with limited connectivity.

Cisco, digital services and solutions provider Presidio and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker announced the neighborhood Wi-Fi initiative on the expanded city network named CFW-Neighborhood.

This offers Internet access in five Fort Worth neighborhoods: Ash Crescent, Como, Northside, Rosemont and Stop Six.

Deployment is scheduled to be completed this fall. Currently, over 60,000 Fort Worth residents lack access to home connectivity. This community Wi-Fi initiative will provide free access to five underserved neighborhoods, home to an estimated 40,000 residents.

“Just like power and water, the Internet is a basic necessity for our communities to be successful. By implementing CFW-Neighborhood Wi-Fi in these five neighborhoods, we are bridging a steep digital divide in parts of our city that need it the most, empowering more residents to complete job applications, do research for schoolwork, attend virtual doctor appointments, complete applications for services and so much more,” said Mayor Mattie Parker.

“This is a huge step in the right direction, and the city is committed to executing on more long-term projects that will increase Internet accessibility for more residents.”