Free public Wi-Fi has become a digital lifeline in cities across the United States, with New York City leading the way. Recent research shows a significant surge in the use of LinkNYC, one of the world’s largest and fastest municipal Wi-Fi networks. Launched less than a decade ago, the service now attracts more than half of New Yorkers at least once a month, and nearly one-third are weekly users. A 2025 HarrisX survey of 1,528 residents also found that 75% would use free Wi-Fi if it became available in their neighborhood.
LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin emphasized the program’s dual role in serving both need and preference. “We are seeing strong support for LinkNYC’s services and enhanced digital infrastructure across every community and demographic in our city,” he stated in a press release.
Inspired by New York’s success, other cities are following suit. Philadelphia, under a renewed franchise agreement with Verizon, plans to roll out public Wi-Fi in over 200 locations by 2026, with 78 spots already active as of late 2024. Sarasota, Florida, recently completed its “Wi-Fi in the Parks” initiative, and South Bend, Indiana, now offers access at 140 sites, including parks and commercial hubs. These efforts aim to close the digital divide, especially in underserved areas.
Cyber Threats Shadow Public Wi-Fi Expansion
Despite the enthusiasm, the expansion of municipal Free Public Wi-Fi raises pressing cybersecurity concerns. Experts warn that as cities expand access, they also increase exposure to cyber threats. One such threat is the “evil twin attack,” in which hackers create deceptive Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate ones. Unsuspecting users who connect to these rogue hotspots may unknowingly expose their online activity and sensitive data.
LinkNYC Okta, a leader in digital identity security, highlights how easily bad actors can exploit public Wi-Fi. Hackers no longer require deep technical knowledge, readily available tools make it simple for anyone to set up malicious networks. The widespread belief that free Wi-Fi is safe only adds to the risk.
Compounding the issue is user negligence. Many Free Public Wi-Fi providers include cybersecurity warnings in their terms and conditions, but users often bypass reading them. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey revealed that while 80% of Americans are frequently prompted to accept privacy policies, over one-third never read them, and only 9% consistently review the content.
Balancing Access with Safety- A Public Responsibility
To combat these risks, providers like LinkNYC have introduced tiered security options. The standard “LinkNYC Free Wi-Fi” network uses HTTPS encryption for privacy. A more secure “LinkNYC Private” option encrypts all device communications with the kiosk, regardless of the websites accessed. However, this premium layer is only accessible to Apple users with devices running iOS 7 or newer and supporting Hotspot 2.0.
While Free Public Wi-Fi is undoubtedly helping to bridge the digital divide, experts caution that cities must also prioritize digital literacy and cybersecurity education. Simply providing free access is not enough; empowering citizens to use the internet safely and responsibly is critical.
As public demand for digital inclusion grows, municipalities face a pivotal challenge: ensuring that access to connectivity does not come at the cost of personal security.
