Cisco partners with City of Toronto to provide free WiFi access

WiFi hotspot in Rockcliffe-Smythe 1 of 25 to be set up in city

Toronto.com
Sept. 10, 2020
Libaan Osman

Cisco, a networking and IT company, is joining forces with the City of Toronto and other partners to provide free Wi-Fi access to up to 13,000 city residents living in low-income communities.

The Digital Canopy initiative is already serving about 2,000 residents at 200 and 210 Woolner Ave. in Toronto's Rockcliffe-Smythe community.

By the end of the year, there will be up to 25 WiFi hotspot sites across the city, including Thorncliffe Park, West Hill and Scarborough Village, states a joint release issued by Cisco and the City of Toronto.

“With the reduced access to many public spaces across the city, now more than ever it is critical we make the digital realm accessible for all,” says Lawrence Eta, chief technology officer for the City of Toronto, in the news release. “Our collaboration with Cisco and other partners has gone a long way toward providing inclusive and accessible internet connectivity in the city and advancing the principles of the City's Digital Infrastructure Plan.”

Cisco has chipped in $1 million of in-kind technology and services, and has been joined by several partners, including Bell Canada, BAI Canada, OnX Canada, Beanfield Metroconnect, Toronto Mesh, Century Concrete Products and Southwinds Engineering.