Free public wireless Internet access points throughout Polk County are available to assist with the increased need for teleworking, telemedicine and remote learning due to COVID-19.
Free Wi-Fi access spots in Polk County and across North Carolina can be found by visiting ncbroadband.gov/covid-19/wi-fi-locations.
Local nonprofit PANGAEA Internet also has upgraded bandwidth limits and extended usage periods on its free public Wi-Fi systems in Polk County.
PANGAEA’s Wi-Fi service is for basic, low bandwidth uses such as completing homework, sending and receiving email, accessing social media or accessing vital information websites for health care, government or education. No login or password is required. Bandwidth of 10 MB for downloading and 2 MB for uploading is available for up to three hours per user before re-authentication is required. The maximum number of users per location is approximately 30.
PANGAEA is offering free outdoor public Wi-Fi service areas in Polk County in:
- Columbus (downtown on Mills Street)
- Saluda (downtown on Main Street, McCreery Park)
- Tryon (downtown on Trade Street, Carolina Foothills Chamber parking lot, and at Harmon Field at the riding areas, track and basketball courts) and at
- All Polk County School locations (polkschools.org/wifi-locations/).
To report service issues or ask questions, email PANGAEA at freewifisupport@e-polk.org.