FERNDALE, Wash. — Washington State Department of Commerce announced this week that several hundred “drive-up” Wi-Fi hotspots had been identified around the state that were free to access via portable devices and smartphones.
Under Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, many people and students found themselves reliant on internet access in order to stay in communication and perform work or school duties. But not everyone has internet access from their residence. This week a map was made public showing the locations of many free to access drive-up Wi-Fi locations.
In the Ferndale area, there are 2 locations on the map provided by the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS).
- Ferndale Public Library
2125 Main Street - WCLS offices
5205 Northwest Drive
In addition, Ferndale School District Superintendent Linda Quinn has said in communications to families and students since school buildings were closed that each building parking lot serves as a Wi-Fi hotspot allowing the ability periodically retrieve new assignments as well as turning in completed work in the absence of internet access at home.
Any community member can access the district’s internet from the parking lot of one of our schools. If you decide to take advantage of this option, you should select the network called “FSDGuest,” which requires no password. Linda Quinn – Letter to families (April 10, 2020)