29 April 2025
by Jonathan Andrews
Philadelphia has launched two new open-data-powered tools–the Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder and Dashboard–to expand free internet access and boost digital equity across the city.
Kistine Carolan, Open Data Programme Manager, OIT, City of Philadelphia
“By integrating datasets like city asset locations, broadband adoption rates, and Verizon’s build-out progress, the city has created platforms that are both accessible to residents and actionable for policymakers,” Kistine Carolan, Open Data Programme Manager at the Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT), told Cities Today.
Built on open, transparent data models, the Wi-Fi finder allows residents to locate free internet access points, while the dashboard offers policymakers real-time insights into broadband availability, adoption trends and connectivity gaps. According to the city, this approach ensures the tools remain scalable and responsive to community needs.
One of the key factors behind the initiative’s success has been a strong focus on cross-sector collaboration.
“The city worked across agencies and with Verizon to ensure that infrastructure investments were strategically deployed in underserved areas,” said Juliet Fink-Yates, Digital Equity Programme Manager at OIT. “Through these partnerships, we were also able to leverage our own open data to build tools–like the app and dashboard–to further enhance transparency and enable more people to use this information.”
Impact measurement is another cornerstone of the project, with OIT using a combination of web analytics, Wi-Fi login data, computer usage metrics and census updates to shape future investments.
Juliet Fink-Yates, Digital Equity Programme Manager at OIT, City of Philadelphia
“Metrics like usage rates alongside the yearly updated census data on home broadband access will inform ongoing investments and policy decisions for digital inclusion,” said Fink-Yates.
The city’s procurement strategy with Verizon also offers lessons for embedding digital equity goals into major infrastructure agreements.
“Philadelphia structured the agreement to require gigabit fibre and free public Wi-Fi installation at over 180 city-owned sites, with clear reporting and accountability milestones,” said Carolan.
The deployment of dark fibre throughout the city ensures that the infrastructure will be scalable to meet residents’ needs for at least the next 10 to 15 years.
Carolan added: “By embedding digital equity goals into the partnership terms and ensuring that data sharing was part of the deal, Philadelphia has created a pathway for sustainable, transparent progress.”
Image: Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com