City of Toronto partners with tech companies to provide free internet access to vulnerable residents

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The city of Toronto hopes to give more vulnerable residents access to free temporary internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several technology and telecommunication companies have donated to the city to help connect 25 large residential apartment buildings located in low-income neighbourhoods. 

There's Montreal-based national carrier Bell, who is providing free Wi-Fi access in up to 10 low-income buildings for six months while waiving all installation and project management fees. Bell is also working with the city and social agencies to provide mobile phones and tablets to those in need.

Cisco Canada is providing hundreds of permanent mobile access point hardware as well as contributing to fees for some internet circuits. OnX Canada is offering service management and maintenance. BAI Canada is supplying fibre and core infrastructure hosting.

Toronto-based national carrier Rogers is donating free Wi-Fi for three months to four permanent shelter locations using fixed wireless access devices to make sure the coverage is available throughout the shelters. 

And Telus is working with the city, Toronto Police Service, and United Way Greater Toronto to help vulnerable residents stay connected to crisis services. The Vancouver-based national carrier is offering eligible residents free cell phones, data plans, or SIM cards.

The city's technology services division has deployed free 24/7 Wi-Fi access in all 10 city-operated long-term care homes.

"During this difficult time, it's imperative that our most vulnerable residents have access to the supports they need and are still able to feel a sense of connection while physically distancing in order to protect themselves," said Mayor John Tory in a press release. "I want to thank all of our technology and telecommunications partners for helping to make this possible by making donations to help those most in need."