Fort Worth is set to phase out its Neighborhood Wi-Fi program, which has provided free wireless internet to five neighborhoods since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aimed to bridge the digital divide in lower-income areas by facilitating remote education, work, and telemedicine. However, with ARPA funding expiring on December 31, the city has decided not to seek alternative funding sources to continue the program.

Transition to Fiber Network

The decision to sunset the Neighborhood Wi-Fi program aligns with Fort Worth’s ongoing efforts to construct a citywide fiber network in partnership with Sprocket Networks. This new initiative, which began in January 2025, is expected to cover over 300 miles and serve more than 200 communities by the latter half of 2027. The fiber network aims to provide residents with a low-cost internet plan priced at $30 per month, ensuring competitive rates with other providers in the area.

According to Chief Technology Officer Kevin Gunn, the fiber network will offer a more sustainable and comprehensive solution for internet access across the city. The Neighborhood Wi-Fi program, while successful in its initial goal, has seen a decline in usage, with the number of monthly users dropping by nearly 60% from its peak in late 2024.

Community Impact

The city is committed to communicating the phase-out timeline to affected residents and ensuring a smooth transition to the new fiber network. The Neighborhood Wi-Fi program initially served the Stop Six, Ash Crescent, Northside, Rosemont, and Como areas, providing essential connectivity during the pandemic. As Fort Worth moves forward with its fiber network, the focus remains on maintaining affordable and reliable internet access for all its residents.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.