Huntington Park to provide free Wi-Fi access for residents

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- The city of Huntington Park is launching a program to provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces to ensure residents have access to vital internet services.

The city first set out the ambitious goal of free citywide Wi-Fi three years ago and on Thursday city leaders celebrated the launch of that plan.

The Wi-Fi access will be installed in phases, first with access at public parks and in neighborhoods on the city's west side.

"The reason we started there is because we have many of our families who struggle economically in the west portion of our city," said City Council member Graciela Ortiz. "So when we're talking about providing equitable opportunities for our residents we wanted to make sure that we started with communities that need it the most."

Eventually it will be extended citywide.

"I think it's a pretty good deal," said Huntington Park resident Gabriel Ramos. "There's a lot of people around this community that can't afford the prices that come with Wi-Fi. It's accessible for kids, helping them with websites and helping them learn."