With Akwesasne schools closed, most kids are spending more time on the computer these days. Schools and teachers are putting their lessons online and hundreds are working from home.
Many people are tuning into the daily coronavirus updates from Akwesasne’s Emergency Operations Center or important state live broadcasts with Gov. Andrew Cuomo. For the first time ever, its seems virtual meetings, virtual workshops — even virtual birthdays have become the norm.
All of this online usage doesn’t come as a surprise to Mohawk Networks who continues to connect the community of Akwesasne. In the height of the pandemic, the local broadband company is taking steps to make fast, dependable internet access available for homes that may not have a reliable internet connection by installing six public Wi-Fi hotspots in Akwesasne.
“COVID-19 has impacted our lives in drastic ways, but that disruption should not affect access to learning for our students,” says Allyson Mitchell, Mohawk Networks’ General Manager. “There are homes in our area without reliable internet access. We worked with local leadership and businesses to power six outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots with the intention of helping to fill those gaps and provide a reliable connection for students who need access to virtual classrooms.”
Several public wifi hot spots are now available throughout the community. The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club and local businesses have come together to expand services to the community.
- Mohawk Networks at 2819 State Route 95, Akwesasne NY. Available daily 8:00am – 9:00pm.
- Akwesasne Mohawk Casino & Resort Human Resources Building at 935 State Route 37, Akwesasne NY . Available daily 8:00am – 9:00pm.
- Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club at 37 Roosevelt-own Rd, Akwesasne NY . Available Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday from 10:00am-4:00pm.
- Iohahi:io Adult Education at 16 Iohahi:io Road, Akwesasne. Available daily 8:00am – 8:00pm.
- Akwesasne Cultural Center Museum at 321 State Route 37. Available daily 8:00am – 9:00pm.
- Three Feathers Internet Cafe at 759 State Route 37. Available daily 8:00am – 9:00pm.
Check out the company’s website for the Community WiFi Map @https://mohawk-networks.com/
Users should remain in their cars to limit exposure to themselves and others. Practice safe social distancing measures and being mindful of the recommendations that have been put in place to help combat COVID-19.
The company’s pledge is to not cut anybody off from their internet connectivity during this time frame for non-payment. And, in March, an offer was made to reconnect homes that previously had internet service but whose accounts weren’t active.
By: Regan Jacobs
