ROBBINS, N.C. — Free public Wi-Fi will soon be available at three town-owned locations in Robbins through a partnership between the town and Moore County Schools.
Internet equipment will be installed near Tracy Brown Park, Milliken Park and Robbins Town Hall. Officials expect the outdoor network at each location to cover the surrounding public area and reach more than 500 feet.
The project is intended to improve internet access for students, families and other residents in northern Moore County. That portion of the county continues to have areas where reliable home internet and cellular service can be difficult to access.
Moore County Schools will cover the installation costs through funding connected to a $300,000 Digital Champion grant from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Equity and Literacy.
The Town of Robbins will be responsible for the monthly service costs and future maintenance. Randolph Communications was selected to provide the fiber-based service following a competitive bidding process.
Town Manager Clint Mack said the service will also benefit parents who spend time at local parks while their children participate in practices and other activities.
Moore County Schools currently provides portable hotspots to some students who do not have dependable internet at home. School officials say northern Moore County accounts for a significant portion of the district’s hotspot demand, although those devices can be limited in areas without nearby cellular towers.
The new public networks will include website filters and other security protections required for internet service provided through a municipality.
Source: Information and reporting from The Pilot.
