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ATL Free WiFi Brings Free Public Internet to Atlanta's BeltLine and Local Neighborhoods

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Community project bringing free public WiFi to the Atlanta BeltLine to improve digital access and support neighborhoods.

ATLANTA - TelAve -- ATL Free WiFi Brings Free Public Internet to Atlanta's BeltLine and Local Neighborhoods

ATLANTA, GA — A new community project called ATL Free WiFi is working to bring free public internet access to the Atlanta BeltLine and surrounding neighborhoods. Designed and built locally, this grassroots network aims to improve digital equity, expand community connectivity, and give residents and visitors reliable WiFi access in public spaces.

Created by Atlanta technologist Dylan Jain, the project uses a series of rooftop supernodes hosted by local businesses to broadcast WiFi along the BeltLine's Eastside Trail. The system is inspired by NYC Mesh, but adapted for Atlanta's unique layout and community involvement. Instead of charging users, ATL Free WiFi is supported through light advertising displayed on a brief captive splash page, keeping access completely free for everyone.

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A Pilot Network Already Taking Shape on the BeltLine

The first deployment is set for a 2.1 mile section of the Eastside Trail, stretching from Piedmont Park to Krog Street Market. This is one of the most active pedestrian corridors in the city and an ideal starting point for a public WiFi network.

Current progress includes:
  • Twelve businesses have agreed to host supernode equipment
  • The route has been mapped and measured with accurate node spacing
  • More than 150 residents signed a community petition within 24 hours
  • Talks are ongoing with nonprofit groups and multiple NPU districts
  • The project has been reviewed by Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts
  • Technical planning is complete and equipment is being sourced
  • Target launch window: mid 2026

This pilot demonstrates how local residents, small businesses, and community leaders can collaborate to create new digital infrastructure for Atlanta.

Local Expertise and Community Participation

Founder Dylan Jain works in the tech sector and at a major nationwide ISP, giving him hands-on experience with networking hardware, routing, and infrastructure. The project has been fully bootstrapped to this point and operates without grants, proving that community-supported technology can still grow quickly with the right planning.

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Each participating business hosts a small weatherproof device connected securely to its existing Internet line. The network is sandboxed, encrypted, and bandwidth controlled so that host businesses remain fully protected and prioritized.

Growing Beyond the BeltLine

ATL Free WiFi is already exploring partnerships to bring free WiFi deeper into Atlanta. These include:
  • Collaboration with nonprofits such as Project Access
  • Discussions with NPU leaders for neighborhood deployments
  • Potential use in community centers, parks, and commercial districts
  • Future expansion along additional BeltLine segments

The goal is to build a citywide public infrastructure layer that improves digital access for residents regardless of income or location.

Learn more or get involved at:
https://ATLFreeWiFi.com

Contact
ATL Free WiFi
***@atlfreewifi.com


Source: ATL Free WiFi
Filed Under: Telecom

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