Internet in Hamilton

A wireless/wi-fi network allows customers to connect their laptops or other mobile devices to the Internet without having to plug into a network port.

No, a password is not required. You will be required to review and accept the City’s Terms of Use document.

The wireless/wi-fi connection at a City of Hamilton facility will allow you to access the Internet. The City uses reasonable efforts to reduce access to criminal, obscene or hate material on the internet by providing a filtered Wireless/Wi-Fi network.

You will need a wi-fi compliant wireless/wi-fi laptop computer, tablet PC, or smart phone device. Most wireless/wi-fi equipment will be compatible but the City cannot guarantee the compatibility of your equipment with the wireless/wi-fi network.

You will need a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome etc.

Every wireless/wi-fi card is different but here are some general instructions:

• Open your wireless/wi-ri connection software or tool. In your software you will be able to scan for any wireless/wi-fi networks.
• Your software should present you with all the wireless/wi-fi connections in the building, which in this case will be called "Hamilton_Guest".
• Choose 'activate' or 'connect', or ‘accept’ depending on the manufacturer of your wireless/wi-fi card. Now you are associated with the wireless/wi-fi network - associated is the wireless/wi-fi term for connected.
• Click on the City of Hamilton icon. If you are in a library, click on the Hamilton Public Library icon.
• You will be presented with the City of Hamilton "Terms of Use of Wireless Network and Disclaimer" for Hamilton Public Wireless/Wi-Fi. Read the terms and conditions. Once you have clicked “I Agree” to the Terms of Use you will be connected to Hamilton’s free public wireless/wi-fi.

No. City employees are not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee is given that you will be able to make a wireless/wi-fi connection. City employees cannot accept any liability for handling your equipment. The network is monitored and City staff will be notified if the public wireless/wi-fi is not functioning.

No. The wireless/wi-fi network is not encrypted. Information sent from or to your laptop could be captured by someone else using a wireless/wi-fi device and the appropriate software.

The City assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, files, information or data stored on your device. Refer to the Wireless/Wi-Fi Terms and Conditions of Use for more information.

Minimizing your movement is recommended; however, overlapping coverage is provided by a number of access points that are configured to allow for movement without loss of the connection.

Note: some areas may experience lack of coverage based on location

The City cannot provide you technical assistance in configuring your wireless/wi-fi device or troubleshoot wireless/wi-fi access problems. There is no guarantee that your wireless/wi-fi device will work with our network.

The City of Hamilton assumes no responsibility for the safety or security of a patron’s personal equipment resulting from the connection to the City’s wireless/wi-fi network.

The wireless/wi-fi network is monitored by City staff and staff will be alerted when the wireless/wi-fi network is not functioning properly.

Rogers Connected for Success

Program by Rogers, provides $10/month internet access, and eligibility includes:

• Rent geared-to-income (RGI) tenants of a non-profit housing partner organization
• Recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (OW), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
• Eligible participants of the Connecting Families Program

For more information visit Rogers Connected for Success - Income Support Programs - Ontario

Connecting Families Initiative

Connecting Families program enables eligible Canadian families to access high speed internet service packages for $10 and $20 per month. Families who currently receive the maximum Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and seniors who currently receive the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are eligible for this initiative. Eligible households must receive a letter from the Government of Canada. This letter will contain an access code that you will need to sign up for the initiative.

If you have received a letter in the mail about this initiative from the Government of Canada, you can apply to Connecting Families.

Hamilton Public Library

The Library offers online computer classes and individual virtual appointments to help with basic technical issues, downloading eBooks and using online library resources.

• Upcoming Digital Literacy Events
• Book a one-on-one virtual appointment for support

Hamilton Reads

As a part of their Hamilton Reads Vision, the Hamilton Literacy Council offers free courses about how to access the internet, create and send emails, use Google Docs and learn basic computer skills. Learn more about the Hamilton Reads courses.

Renewed Computer Technology

Renewed Computer Technology currently provides refurbished computers (and other devices such as monitors, keyboards etc.) to schools, First Nation bands, charities, non-profits, individuals and families living with limited income in Ontario at reasonable prices.

• Devices for a school or school board
• Devices for an individual, student or family
• Devices for a charity, NFP, library or First Nation Group

ReBOOT Canada

ReBOOT Canada provides computer equipment, training and technical support to charities, non-profits and people with limited access to technology.

• reSTART Program: Refurbished workstations are available for eligible applicants who receive financial support from programs like ODSP, OSAP, OW, OAS, EI, WSIP etc. Review reSTART Program details.
• Learn about additional programs offered by reBOOT