WTC and State of Kansas to bring Free Public Wi-Fi to Manhattan, Kansas

Summary

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that WTC is the recipient of an Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program grant facilitated by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD). The ADOPT program is an effort to improve access to free, reliable public Wi-Fi to the unserved and underserved public spaces in Kansas.

Grant Details

WTC's grant will result in more than $830,000 in investment funding to install 124 access points in Manhattan to provide access to reliable, FREE public Wi-Fi to the unserved and underserved public spaces around the community.

Why Manhattan?

For Riley County, the only county in Kansas identified with persistent poverty, according to a recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), this effort comes as a welcome relief for those in need.

Community Impact

"Providing free, reliable public Wi-Fi to the friends and neighbors who attend our nightly meals will provide an invaluable asset to a segment of our community that already struggles due to lack of resources, ” commented Debbie L. Nuss, Chair of Common Table. “To be able to access free wi- fi while dining with us means they can communicate with their children’s teachers about their schoolwork; apply for employment; check the balance of their SNAP account; apply for LIEAP assistance; stay in touch with their social worker or case manager; reach out to family members; stay up to date on current events; or quite simply entertain themselves because the rest of their life might seem a bit unbearable,” she continued.

WTC’s Commitment

• Provide substantial dollars towards the 10% grant match
• Manage installation and provisioning of all equipment
• Supply free Internet service to all locations for five years
• Provide all necessary maintenance and upgrades
• Maintain all fiber and cable infrastructure

Matching Funds

Viewed as a top priority by community stakeholders, a coordinated effort was launched to assist with the matching funds. Additional funding was received from the City of Manhattan, Riley County, and multiple Benefactors of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

Public Wi-Fi Locations

• ATA Bus Stops
• Be Able
• City of Manhattan
  • Annenberg Park
  • Anthony Rec Center
  • Blue Earth Plaza
  • CiCo Park
  • CiCo Water Park
  • City Park
  • City Water Park
  • Eisenhower Baseball Complex
  • Eisenhower Rec Center
  • Girl Scout Park
  • Goodnow Park
  • Griffith Park
  • Long’s Park
  • Northview Park
  • Northview Water Park
  • Stagg Hill Park
  • Sunset Neighborhood Park
  • Sunset Zoo
• Common Table
• Flint Hills Breadbasket
• Flint Hills Community Clinic
• Konza Prairie Community
• Health Center
• Manhattan Area Resettlement Team (MART)
• Manhattan Area Habitat for Humanity
• Manhattan Emergency Shelter
• Manhattan Free Clinic
• Manhattan Housing Authority
• MATC
• Pawnee Mental Health
• Riley County
  • Family and Child Resource Center
  • Health Department
  • Historical Society Museum
  • Fairmont Park
• USD 383
  • Bishop Stadium
  • Fit Closet
  • High School Gymnasiums