Free Wi-Fi Almost Here For Ingersoll And Whitman Residents, Courtesy of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

We truly live in a connected world, with friends, family, strangers, news, and more available at the touch of a finger to a phone screen. But for many low-income New Yorkers, particularly those who live in public housing, internet access isn’t a given. Until now.

Ingersoll and Whitman Houses residents are the next New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments slated to get free wifi as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s efforts to bring free broadband to at least five NYCHA sites.

As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, installation is already underway — along with interior and exterior lighting, CCTV security cameras, and playground upgrades — but now the New York Daily News has noted that the wifi is being sponsored/made possible with support from the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP).

The free wi-fi will be available in outdoor common areas, but NOT in apartments.

“Once again, Downtown Brooklyn is leading the way as a true live-work central business district,” said Tucker Reed, DBP president. “Our NYCHA expansion will allow us to provide a critical amenity to one of our largest population centers. We’re grateful to our partners on this initiative and are thrilled to offer service for more Downtown residents.”

“Internet access is crucial to success in the 21st century. Thanks to this innovative collaboration, we are bringing NYCHA residents Wi-Fi services that will improve quality of life and economic futures,” said NYCHA Chair/CEO Shola Olatoye. “As we work to preserve public housing for generations to come, we are proud to partner on a project that will uplift NYCHA communities and connect residents to opportunity.”

Are you excited about wifi access at Ingersoll and Whitman? Will it help you communicate better or do school or professional work?