Frequently Asked Questions
CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi FAQs
Q: What neighborhoods have access to CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi?
A: Free Neighborhood Wi-Fi is available now in Ash Crescent, Lake Como, Northside, and Rosemont neighborhoods. The service will be available in Stop Six this fall.
Q: What’s the purpose?
A: The city recognizes the importance of home internet access in our daily lives and is making a long-term commitment to improving access citywide. A large number of Fort Worth residents lack home internet access, making it difficult to attend online classes, apply for jobs or tap into other social service resources.
Q: Who pays for it?
A: The city has designated $5 million in federal CARES Act funds for this project. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed in March 2020 to provide a variety of assistance to those affected by the coronavirus. To supplement the (CARES) funding, which expired at the end of 2021, the City also allocated money from the American Recovery Planning Act (ARPA) to complete the delivery and provide for ongoing support.
Q: How does CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi work?
A: Crews have installed equipment on utility poles near city facilities that offer CFW Guest Wi-Fi. Using radio technology, the equipment relays the city’s wireless signal so that it reaches into the neighborhood. Anyone with a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone or laptop, can use the signal to access the internet.
Q: How were the areas chosen? Why not my neighborhood?
A: The city identified the areas through its Neighborhood Improvement Program, which relies on data such as household income, poverty and crime rates to concentrate improvements where they’re needed most. All five neighborhoods also have low internet subscription rates. Home internet subscription rate is now included as a metric of the Neighborhood Improvement Program and will be considered in selection of neighborhoods for future public investment.
Q: How do I use the city’s public Wi-Fi at home?
A:
- Go to settings on your phone or tablet.
- Turn on the Wi-Fi setting on your smart phone, laptop, or tablet.
- Select “CFW Neighborhood” as your Wi-Fi network.
- Agree to the terms of usage.
Q: If I don’t have access to CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi, what are my options?
A: CFW Guest Wi-Fi is available at all city facilities, libraries and community centers. CFW Guest Wi-Fi is location-specific, but the signal can be accessed from outside the building. For indoor use of a work station at a library or community center, check the location’s hours of operation.
At all Fort Worth Public Libraries, hotspot devices are available for checkout with a valid library card. For more information about getting a library card, visit: fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library/services/resident-library-card.
Students may also have the option to checkout a hotspot device from their school. Contact your student’s school for more information.
Q: Where is my closest location to access CFW Guest Wi-Fi if CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi is not available to me?
A:
-
Lake Como
Northside
- Rosemont
- Ash Crescent
- Stop Six
Q: Are there restrictions on the CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi?
A: The CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi won’t be as reliable as a purchased Internet service, but most homes will be able to access many online services such as virtual doctor’s appointments, job searches, virtual learning for students, and applications for assistance and benefits. It is filtered so some streaming, gaming and other websites may be blocked to ensure all accessible websites are family-friendly.
Q: What can affect my connection to CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi?
A: Weather, trees and power lines could affect the strength of the signal at your home. If “CFW Neighborhood” does not appear using the connection steps, your location may be too far from the signal. Please note the signal is strongest at the street, so try to access the Wi-Fi in different areas of your home and property.
Q: Will my connection to the Wi-Fi be tracked?
A: The City will not collect or track information of CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi users.
Q: What do I do if city public Wi-Fi is not working?
A: First, troubleshoot your device settings:
- Is the Wi-Fi setting turned on?
- Have you selected CFW NEIGHBORHOOD as your network?
If you still cannot access CFW Neighborhood Wi-Fi, call 817-392-1234. Describe the problem and your location. A service request will be made, and you’ll be given a tracking number to follow progress on the request.