Free public Wi-Fi Hotspots coming to most Golden West Communities

WALL – As part of Golden West’s commitment to keep everyone connected, the company is installing Wi-Fi hotspots in public places and outdoor locations in most of the communities across its service area. Golden West now has 16 free public Wi-Fi hotspots available in various locations for the Oglala Sioux and Rosebud tribes. Visit goldenwest.com/freewifi for a listing and map of exact locations. The Wi-Fi hotspots are available to anyone who needs it for free.

“Golden West cares about the communities we serve,” said Golden West CEO and General Manager Denny Law. “During this unprecedented time, the company is supporting these communities by providing internet access to people who currently don’t have broadband services.”

As people practice social distancing, the internet connects family and friends and keeps people informed and safe during the pandemic. The internet also enables remote learning, working, health care solutions and more.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Locations

Golden West public Wi-Fi hotspots are already active in Allen, Bridgewater, Burke, Custer, Dell Rapids, Evergreen, Freeman, Gregory, Hartford, Hot Springs, Humboldt, Ideal, Kadoka, Kyle, Manderson, Marion, Martin, Menno, Mission, Montrose, Murdo, New Underwood, Norris, Oglala, Okreek, Parmelee, Pine Ridge, Philip, Porcupine, Potato Creek, Rosebud, Scotland, Sharps Corner, St. Francis, Wall, Wanblee, White River, Winner and Wounded Knee with more locations coming online soon.

Golden West encourages everyone to share this information with those who need it. Follow Golden West on Facebook and continue to check the company’s website for a list and map of the growing number of Wi-Fi hotspot locations at goldenwest.com/freewifi.

Once at a hotspot, visitors should select “Golden West Cares” from the list of available Wi-Fi networks and then launch a browser. No password is required.

Practicing Social Distancing

Golden West also strongly urges everyone to follow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at all times, including when using the Wi-Fi hotspots. Visitors should remain in vehicles, when possible, or stay six or more feet away from others. The CDC also recommends using hand sanitizer or frequent hand washing and wearing a cloth face covering. For more information, visit cdc.gov.

Staying Safe on Public Networks

Keep in mind that these are public networks. To protect personal information when using public wireless hotspots, the Federal Trade Commission recommends only sending information to sites that are fully encrypted (have an https at the beginning of their URL), and to avoid using mobile apps that require personal or financial information.

Connecting More People

With proper precautions, these free public Wi-Fi hotspots can connect even more people during this extraordinary time. Golden West will continue to monitor needs as we face the coronavirus together.

“Broadband internet access is vital to everyone’s overall quality of life,” Law said. “Golden West is committed to connecting rural South Dakotans to the world.”

 

Visit Original Source