As rural areas of New York continue to struggle securing internet access, Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum News 1, recently announced a partnership with Lewis County to ensure its residents have not only that access, but are also able to get it for free.

Charter is activating 27 different public WiFi points across the county — locations such as libraries, town offices, downtowns, recreation areas and more. It’s a project that will help in many different ways, including childhood education.

“Whether you want to pursue your education in learning, or a job or even just learning new things as far as books, resources like that, it's very important to have internet access that's strong and comes through,” Beaver Falls resident Deanna Widrick said.

Widrick understands the importance of reliable internet access, perhaps as much as anyone. As we entered the COVID-era, she made the decision to homeschool her children, a choice that in this day and age, certainly requires the internet.

“The internet has been very helpful in researching different curriculums, and the kids do their math online. Our youngest actually has all her lessons online,” Widrick added.

However, living in the small hamlet of Beaver Falls — in the very rural Lewis County, the internet can be not only difficult to access, but those who have it can sometimes find it to be unreliable.

“If it just cuts out or if you don't have a strong connection, it is very frustrating,” Widrick added.

Situations where education, even job searches and information gathering, simply just can no longer happen.

“Because you have to start all over. And time is money, they say, right? Time is very valuable,” Widrick added.

And with that in mind, Widrick recently brought her kids to nearby Croghan to the public library for a special announcement. 

Charter Communications is partnering with Louis County to activate 27 public Wi-Fi access points across the county. Points will be everywhere from libraries and offices to downtowns and recreational areas. They're free for anyone to use.

“It is not something that we can really live without, especially when we're thinking about the future and moving ahead. We really need to be putting in,” Lewis County Legislator Lisa Virkler added.

It's critically important for people like Widrick.

“That they can come in and have connection in that way of the internet for what they need to do, whether it is their family or a job,” Widrick said.

And now more people than ever and Lewis County will. It is estimated that nearly 13% of New Yorkers do not have access to the internet.

During the ceremony, Spectrum also presented the Croghan Library with 10 Chromebooks for guests to use with the new Wi-Fi.