Public Libraries begin lending WIFI hot spot devices

[eDJ_]

I was in Ashland Kentucky this afternoon and saw something trend setting that may be of interest here.

They are the first in Kentucky to begin lending WIFI hot spot devices.  They are replicating the New York City
Public Library program and Sprint is backing their WIFI devices.  They will check out for a week and give free WIFI. (they couldn't tell me how far these would transmit)   But it is free for the use to check out like a book for one week.  NYC is lending them for much longer periods.  What I was shown were 3G with unlimited band width. 

If a group were Boondocking and one person was able to check one out the whole group would probably
have WIFI access from this device.  Part of the reason this Library is wanting to start this program is due
to past severe winters where rural areas were without communication and school kids couldn't complete their studies.  Thus these could provide a WIFI node in those regions.   They tell me they are looking now for grant
money to  purchase more of these and grow the program.  After the week has ended, if the device isn't returned it is automatically shut off and becomes useless.  

The WIFI device

Spring Hill, Tennessee Public Library Story

http://columbiadailyherald.com/news/local-news/library-offers-wi-fi-lending


Could this be useful for the Van dwelling community ?   Your thoughts ?  I understand Cell Phones will
be able to get internet from it too if they are beyond accessing their signal.

 

[highdesertranger]

doesn't that hot spot work on cell signals? highdesertranger

 

[GrantRobertson]

This is awesome! GAWD I [emoji7] librarians.

Hell, I was practically raised by them.

 

[eDJ_]

From the way it was explained to me it does.  This one in Kentucky uses Sprint.  What was mentioned that if
someone had a Cell with another carrier and were out of their reach they could use this WIFI device with their Cell.

It is very new at this Library and I was told tomorrow that hey would be having meetings all day as the Library
will be closed to the public for Columbus Day.

 

[ToyotaEscaper]

I was in Ashland Kentucky this afternoon and saw something trend setting that may be of interest here.

They are the first in Kentucky to begin lending WIFI hot spot devices.  They are replicating the New York City
Public Library program and Sprint is backing their WIFI devices.  They will check out for a week and give free WIFI. (they couldn't tell me how far these would transmit)   But it is free for the use to check out like a book for one week.  NYC is lending them for much longer periods.  What I was shown were 3G with unlimited band width. 

If a group were Boondocking and one person was able to check one out the whole group would probably
have WIFI access from this device.  Part of the reason this Library is wanting to start this program is due
to past severe winters where rural areas were without communication and school kids couldn't complete their studies.  Thus these could provide a WIFI node in those regions.   They tell me they are looking now for grant
money to  purchase more of these and grow the program.  After the week has ended, if the device isn't returned it is automatically shut off and becomes useless.  

The WIFI device

Spring Hill, Tennessee Public Library Story

http://columbiadailyherald.com/news/local-news/library-offers-wi-fi-lending


Could this be useful for the Van dwelling community ?   Your thoughts ?  I understand Cell Phones will
be able to get internet from it too if they are beyond accessing their signal.

The Netgear Unite hotspot. I have one for AT&T the range was pretty nice, all over the house, about 200 feet or so like my regular router. What I like about it is on the other side not shown in the pic there is a port with MCX connector for antennas. Got a good one and it gets full reception and dataspeed most places. I'm never lucky enough to live in places with cool things like this so I don't mine much cuz at&t charges a lot. Not bad though if you aren't literally broke most of the time like I am.