New service pinpoints closest free Internet in Philly

There is a new way to find free computer centers or places where you can get free Internet service in Philadelphia. 

Brian James Kirk, co-founder of Technically Philly, says anyone with messaging capability on their phone can text their location to 215-240-7296 to find the nearest site with free Internet access.  

“We have more than 200 locations that include ‘Keyspot’ locations, which is a city of Philadelphia plan to increase broadband access,” Kirk said. “Also libraries, which are very numerous, and also retail locations.”

Kirk says between 41 percent and 55 percent of Philadelphia households do not have Internet access — and the text program is designed to help people connect to the web.

Donna Frisby Greenwood of the Knight Foundation says they are helping to sponsor the effort to help bridge the digital divide.

“People are getting their information on line mobily and in many ways — not just from newspapers,” she said. “It’s important for us, for all people, to have access to information and then use that information to engage around the issues and to better their own communities.”

The service does not cost anything more than normal texting rates.