Nonprofit builds free Wi-Fi network for Hunts Point neighborhood

A nonprofit organization in Hunts Point is building a free Wi-Fi network for the neighborhood.
The "Free Hunts Point Community Wi-Fi" network was first installed in businesses throughout the community last summer before it expanded into homes on a block of Manida Street a few months ago.
THE POINT Community Development Corporation is helping to create the wireless mesh network in the area.
"It's not a privilege--it's a necessity," says Yamil Lora, Wi-Fi Community Coordinator at THE POINT. "And having limited access doesn't cut it anymore."
At least 16 buildings are equipped with nodes, which send signals to one another that create the network. Access points are placed inside each of the buildings to establish hot spots throughout the area.
The purpose of the project was initially to provide a way for the community to communicate throughout an offline network if a natural disaster wiped out service. The goal now is to plant an antenna on a higher point in the neighborhood so more people can connect.
Organizers say hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding were needed to get the network up and hundreds of thousands of dollars is needed to keep the Wi-Fi free.