Digital equity

All City residents and businesses should have the tools and skills to be part of our digital society.

About digital equity

The City's Information Technology (IT) department supports efforts to address the Minneapolis:

  • Digital divide
  • Technology skills gap

Using technology to its full advantage is a necessary part of success. Everyone should have the tools, skills and opportunity to take part in our digital society.

This includes all:

  • City residents
  • Institutions
  • Businesses

Get connected to the internet

The City provides technology resources for residents. We partner with Hennepin County to do so.

Digital navigators can help residents:

  • Access training and technology resources
  • Learn how to be safe online  

View resources from Hennepin County

Wireless hot spots for free outdoor access

Minneapolis residents and visitors can access the internet for free. There are 117 "Wireless Minneapolis" hotspots throughout the city. These hotspots are one of the many community benefits as a result from our contract with USI Wireless. USI Wireless built the wireless network covering the entire city.

How to connect to a free hot spot

  1. Look for signs installed at hot spot locations.
  2. Search for the wireless network connection called "USIW Free Wifi." Use your computer or wireless internet capable-device to find it.
  3. The connection requires credit card number to log in for security purposes only. There is no charge.

 

Girl using laptop at coffee shop outdoors

 

Internet services

The City partners with local providers to offer free or low-cost internet services.

City goals in digital equity

children using a laptop outdoors

 

The Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan has more information about the City's goals in this area.

See Policy 50

Internet access gap map

Hennepin County created an internet access map. You can use the map to see the level of Internet access across the County. Map data is based on the 2018 American Community Survey data.  Use the "Layer List" feature to see the options of data layers you can include.

View the internet access gap map

Get involved

You can join us to support this work.

Directly

  • Donate new and used computers
  • Provide internet services

Indirectly

  • Through funding
  • Other collaboration

Contact us 

Share your ideas, interests and how we can reach you.

Contact 311

 

people collaborating on laptops

 

Request accessible format

If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Contact us

 

Minneapolis 311

 
 

Office hours

7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday – Friday