WA Dept. of Commerce to launch free drive-in WiFi hotspots across the state

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce is launching drive-in WiFi hotspots across the state, part of an initiative to bring public internet access to the public.

These internet hotspots provide free temporary, emergency internet access for residents who lack it.

According to the Department of Commerce, this service is specifically designed to alleviate issues that face Washingtonians during the COVID-19 pandemic, including remote learning for students, job searches, telehealth, telework, unemployment filing, and census participation.

The Department held a media availability meeting Thursday afternoon, with program directors logging in directly through the new, free, public-access WiFi hotspots.

Commerce Director Lisa Brown was joined by Secretary of State Kim Wyman, Superintendent Chris Reykdal, WSU Extension Director Vicki McCracken and CWU Associate VP and CIO Ginny Tomlinson.

You can find hotspots near you by visiting the Department of Commerce’s WiFi Hotspot Finder.

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