Wireless Hartford frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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What is Wireless Hartford?

Wireless Hartford is an initiative conceived by Mayor Eddie Perez to close the digital divide in the city of Hartford where approximately two thirds of households lack a functioning computer and access to the Internet. The goal of the program is to provide a measure of free and low cost wireless broadband access to all Hartford residents and provide low cost computer equipment and training.

What are the pilot areas?

The first phase of the program will provide wireless access, training and low cost computers in the Downtown and Blue Hills neighborhoods. Approximately 900 low cost WIFI ready computers will be available to the residents of the Blue Hills and Downtown neighborhoods who attend training classes.

Blue Hills and Downtown wireless coverage maps are at the end of this FAQ.

When will service be available in other areas?

The area of wireless coverage, number of training classes and number of low cost computers will be increased as the initiative obtains funding to move into other neighborhoods in the city.

How will wireless work?

Wireless access points (antennas) attached to city buildings and light poles transmit radio signals to computers in the surrounding areas equipped with wireless cards that allow the computers to access the internet via the city’s fiber optic network.

Though computers equipped with wireless cards should be able to access the Internet in most areas of the two pilot neighborhoods, certain obstructions may cause a weak signal. This may require the user to move their computer within the home to an area closer to an antenna.

In some cases signal strength in the home may not be sufficient to connect to the network requiring the purchase of a more powerful network card or range extending device. More information on these products is available at the depot.

How will residents obtain free and low cost wireless broadband Internet access?

During the first phase of this effort residents will simply be required to login to the system with their wireless-ready computer to receive free access to the Internet. Once all the customer service and technical issues of the first few months are resolved the initiative will move into the next phase.  Starting early 2007, all city households will receive one user ID guaranteeing them 20 hours a month of free wireless access in the pilot areas. When the 20 hours are used the computer will be disconnected from the Internet and the resident will not be able to access Wireless Hartford until the next month unless they purchase additional time.

For unlimited Internet access beyond 20 hours, households will pay approximately $15-$20 a month. It is anticipated the city will partner with existing Internet service providers to offer the low cost monthly service to residents. Any revenue generated from the wireless network will be used to expand the effort into other city neighborhoods.

How do you sign up?

Registration for an account is easy. If you are a Hartford resident you can sign up for free access at the wireless portal page.  Other customers can also sign up at the portal page for one of our non resident service plans.

What equipment is required to connect to receive wireless access?

A computer with an operational wireless network card installed

Your computer’s operating system must support wireless connectivity.

Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher is recommended.

What operating systems are supported?

The preferred operating systems are Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.3

What kind of wireless network card is required?

There are various types of wireless network cards. Some are integrated into the PC or laptop, while others attach through a USB or PCMCIA slot. While we do not recommend a specific brand of wireless NIC generally any card that is 802.11 b or 802.11 g compatible will work. If you buy a wireless NIC from a store be certain to follow the manufacturer’s installation directions.

What are the wireless network configurations?

The SSID is WirelessHartford. The network is public therefore no security key is required

Who do residents call for more assistance?

Wireless questions will be answered by calling 757-Wifi (9434) for network status, connection, account, and program information.

Will the Internet be available in my home?

Yes, the network is designed to provide connection in rooms on rooms that have an exterior wall. The connection may have interference from sources inside and outside the home including: 2.4 Ghz cordless phones, walls, trees, microwave ovens

Can more than one person use an account at the same time?

No, only one person can use the account at a time.

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