City partnership gives 5,000 Minneapolis public housing residents free internet access

Having access to information is not a luxury, it is a necessity. That’s why the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) is partnering with Comcast to give free WiFi access to more than 5,000 residents living at 42 public housing high-rise locations in Minneapolis.

“This is not just a tech upgrade, this is a quality-of-life upgrade,” said Councilwoman LaTrisha Vetaw, Minneapolis City Council. Vetaw joined Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, representatives from Comcast, MPHA Executive Director and CEO Abdi Warsame, and residents in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hamilton Manor in Minneapolis, one of MPHA’s high-rise buildings, that is now fully connected.

MPHA provides quality, well-managed homes to a diverse, low-income population in Minneapolis. Just like clean water, heat, and electricity, internet access is critical to residents.

"Connecting public housing to the internet is about more than technology; we’re providing opportunity,” said Frey. “This partnership between the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Comcast will empower our residents with the tools they need to succeed. Together, we’re building a more connected and prosperous community."

MPHA residential units will be equipped to connect to Xfinity’s WiFi network. Residents don’t have to wait for equipment or a technician. At Hamilton Manor, for example, residents call or use the Xfinity app to get connected within minutes.

“This partnership provides essential connectivity, enabling access to educational resources, job opportunities, healthcare services, and community engagement,” said Kalyn Hove, regional senior vice president, Comcast Midwest. “We are committed to empowering residents to thrive in today's interconnected world."

Sonia Stewart watched the ribbon-cutting ceremony and is a resident at Hamilton Manor. “I think it’s awesome, because a lot of people can’t afford the internet at all.” Stewart is using and paying for internet service to develop and advance her beauty product company that sells handmade body butters, soaps, and candles. With the partnership, Stewart will be able to get her internet access for free. “Here’s my chance to get on my feet.”

Minneapolis High Rise Representative President Mary McGovern also spoke at the event about the benefits of the partnership to the residents she serves all over Minneapolis. “Many have mobility limitations and need to schedule virtual appointments.” McGovern went on to say residents receive newsletters from their neighborhood organizations virtually and need access to these critical updates to stay informed and connected.

The Xfinity network will be installed in phases, with the first three MPHA buildings already completed and the rest set to be WIFI ready by the end of 2026. The total investment is estimated at $1.8 million.

This is the second partnership of its kind in the Twin Cities. In spring of 2024, Comcast partnered with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) to provide the city’s more than 2,500 residential units with Xfinity WiFi coverage.