Philly Community Wireless

04/28/2026

We had a great time tabling at the Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio Electronics Faire along with organizations like Iffy Books, Philly Mesh, PhillyCAM, and Glub Glub Labs! This year’s theme focused on the technical aspects of repairing electronic media and looking at ways in which technology can contribute to community, collective, and interpersonal repair 📡🛜.

04/21/2026

We recently set up a “mesh node” in Fairhill, helping a resident get free Wi-Fi connectivity in their home! Mesh nodes are what allow us to expand the network coverage without adding a LiteBeam, a wireless radio that establishes a new source of internet connection at a specific location.

Think about it like a Wi-Fi extender: we set up a wireless access point that “meshes” with a nearby install hub, helping expand the Wi-Fi over distance without needing to install another LiteBeam. Mesh nodes are great for locations that have some existing Philly Community Wireless connectivity, but could use a signal boost!

Check out our live network map in our linktree and toggle the “mesh node” icon to see everywhere we’ve used this set up to spread our Wi-Fi!

03/31/2026

PCW’s direct service area is in the Norris Square, Fairhill, and Kensington neighborhoods, but we’ve recently started consulting with nonprofits throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, including Camden! Thanks to Ben Saracco, a PCW volunteer and Librarian at Rowan University, we built out Wi-Fi at the IDEA Center for the Arts both inside and outside, helping improve their connectivity throughout their space. Ben also set up two PurpleAir monitors to better understand air pollution along Market St in Camden.

PCW aims to support community internet and tech needs in churches, libraries, and other nonprofits across Philadelphia. If you are an organization who is looking for help improving your paid internet service or have questions about the consulting we do, please send us an email at [email protected] ! 🛜

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Try and spot PCW’s Wi-Fi equipment amongst these frosty photos of Norris Square in the snow ❄️

If you wondered how a fixed wireless network handles snow storms, no problems! PCW maintained our usual high speeds even with the wind, snow, and sleet. How’d your internet handle?

03/04/2026

At PCW, volunteers, staff, and community members learn together by collaborating and teaching each other about our unique skillsets and experiences. To learn more, listen to PCW co-founder and Executive Director Alex Wermer-Colan speak on how community broadband initiatives engage residents to help plan, build, and maintain digital infrastructure in their own neighborhoods. Check out the webinar, “Community Broadband Networks as Sites for Learning” with Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, featuring Alex and community leaders from Community Tech NY and Local Connectivity Lab.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDwQfLrFaqo

02/27/2026

Check out the view from Lillian Marrero Branch Library!

Maintaining our network is a key part of the work that we do – even in the winter! We’re committed to making improvements to our install sites where possible, and we’re responsive to repair requests whenever necessary. Oftentimes, devices hosted at homes or community buildings have a simple reason for going offline, like power being unplugged accidentally.

Equipment hosts and community members who use our network can always reach out to us if you notice a change in service. Contact us on social media, by emailing ([email protected]), or by calling (215) 316-5761 🛜

02/18/2026

Together with Technology Learning Collaborative we’ve been co-hosting community discussions about internet access and available digital resources across the Greater Philadelphia area.

Thanks to Temple’s Community Gateway and their cohort of Digital Passport Ambassadors for spending time with us learning and sharing their insights and questions about digital access in Philadelphia today!

If you work with a local organization and want to coordinate a community discussion together, send us a DM!

02/03/2026

Even with the cold, we’re still working on making free Wi-Fi available for all! PCW isn’t able to do rooftop installations in this weather, but we’re still doing maintenance, hosting events, and mapping out future network growth.

Keep safe and warm 🧤🌨️ If you see someone in need, call 215-232-1984. See this list of other emergency resources for this extra cold winter.