Wireless internet connections are about to get a lot faster at Los Angeles County libraries, thanks to a $5 million federal grant.
City News Service reports Tuesday that current library Wi-Fi averages a measly 10 to 20 megabits per second.
Officials say after this year's upgrade, wireless internet users will see speeds up to a hundred times faster — about 1 gigabit per second.
LA County libraries are joining a high-capacity network that serves major research and education institutions statewide.
Library officials say residents from low-income communities who can't afford home internet rely on library access, and they deserve quicker connections.
The money to upgrade the network at 87 county branches comes from the federal E-Rate program, which funds internet services at eligible schools and libraries.
Associated Press
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 30, 2018. Read the original PDF.