Wilkinsburg
Meta Mesh Wireless Communities has teamed up with Computer Reach to offer fixed wireless Internet and mobile hotspots to the residents of Wilkinsburg. Together, with the help of local community partners, we seek to increase digital equity within the community. The project will provide an internet device to qualifying participants at no cost to the end-user.
Qualifying participants will receive all of the following at no cost to them:
An internet device with unlimited internet access
In-person device setup and orientation
Ongoing virtual, phone, or in-person device & digital literacy support
To participate in this program you must be a Wilkinsburg Borough resident.
How to Participate
The process is simple:
Step 1: Please fill out the Registration Form below.
Step 2: Once your form is processed, you will receive a call from our team to schedule your device set up and orientation session at your residence.
Step 3: After that, you will be ready to start using your internet device and will have access to ongoing tech support.
Register
Please fill out our Registration Form and a Meta Mesh or Computer Reach team member will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Hablamos Español
Este programa también está disponible para familias de habla hispana.
Haga click para registrarse en español
Si desea recibir información en español sobre el proyecto, por favor sírvase contactar a
Will Pérez
[email protected]
(412) 444-8816 Ext. 3
FAQs
Is the device, Internet access, and the support really free?
The device, internet access, and support are completely free to participants. Meta Mesh works with local community institutions to sponsor the ongoing cost of Internet ($45/month) on the end-user’s behalf. This keeps the service free to participants, while sustaining the business behind the network.
How fast is Meta Mesh Internet?
50 Mbps download / 25 Mbps upload
These speeds allow for multiple members of the same household to use streaming services at the same time without slowing down the home network.
What’s the difference between a hotspot and wireless?
Wireless is installed to your home by mounting a small receiver on the exterior and connecting that to a router inside. The result is a password protected network that is fast and reliable.
Hotspots are a data device, much like a cell phone plan. You can carry it with you and get internet wherever you are. The result is a network with moderate speeds.
Which service will I get? Hotspot or wireless?
This depends on where you live within the Wilkinsburg community. Some homes will be within the Meta Mesh wireless range, and will receive that service. Some homes won’t be within the Meta Mesh wireless range, so these participants will get a Computer Reach hotspot.
How many households can participate?
Meta Mesh can connect up to 150 households to the wireless network. Computer Reach can supply up to 200 hotspots.
Together, we hope to connect up to 350 households on a first-come first-serve basis. Sign up today to save your spot!
What happens if the device breaks or stops working?
If your device breaks, or stops working, and we are unable to fix it, we will provide you with a new device in a timely manner and at no cost to you.
Estimated Coverage Map
Because our wireless radios require line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver, not every home may be able to connect. Below are the estimated coverage maps that Meta Mesh uses to determine if a house can receive signal from one of our towers.
Green: High probability of coverage.
Yellow: Possibility of coverage. These areas need in-person surveying to confirm eligibility. We invite those who are in a yellow area to reach out to us or apply to learn more.
Red: Confirmed no coverage area. If your home is within the Red coverage area, it is unlikely that service will reach your home in this first phase of the project. If you sign up now, we will reach out to you if your home is covered in a later phase of the program.
Boundary: Our service area ends at the edge of the map image. If your home is near the boundary, please submit your information to determine if service reaches the location.
Estimated coverage for the Wilkinsburg Every1online network.
Click the image above to view a high-resolution version of the map.
If you think you are eligible, you can sign up here.
Contact Us:
Meta Mesh Wireless Communities
Colby Hollabaugh
Operations Manager
6401 Penn Ave, Suite 206 B, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Computer Reach
Will Perez
Wilkinsburg Digital Inclusion Project Manager
(412) 444-8816, Ext. 3
1 DRV, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221