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Wi-Fi To Go

Did you know you can check out wi-fi to go?

Are you a student who needs internet access away from the classroom? Do you need Wi-Fi to take part in telehealth visits, pay your bills, or apply for jobs? If so, Mid-Continent Public Library is now offering Wi-Fi To Go, a service that allows customers to check out a device that provides access to the internet where and when they need it.  

Made possible by CARES Act funding (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security), administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Jackson County, Missouri, Wi-Fi To Go gives you a way to wirelessly access the internet from nearly any location by connecting your laptop, smartphone, or tablet to the Library’s portable Wi-Fi device. 

Use a Wi-Fi To Go device to check your email, access online Library resources that help with homework, browse websites, conduct research, stream music or movies, and more! 

Please note: The strength of mobile phone service in the area where you are using the Wi-Fi To Go device may impact the device’s internet speed. MCPL’s Wi-Fi To Go devices currently run on the T-Mobile LTE network. 

How to Borrow a Wi-Fi To Go Kit

  1. Visit the online catalog to place a hold on a Wi-Fi To Go kit and have it delivered to the Library location of your choice. Or contact your local branch to help you place a hold.  

  2. When you receive notice that your Wi-Fi To Go kit is ready at your selected location, pick up your device in branch or via curbside service. 

  3. Once you have the kit, follow the instructions included in the kit to connect your Wi-Fi-enabled device (laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.) to the Wi-Fi To Go device. 

  4. You have 14 days to use the Wi-Fi device and the free internet service it provides. If there are no holds on the device (other customers waiting to use it), you may renew your checkout two more times, for a total of up to six weeks. 

  5. When you’re done, return the kit to any MCPL branch.  

  6. There is no cost to you to use the device; the Library pays for unlimited wireless services. 

Borrow a Kit

Library card required. Need one? Sign up here » 

What is a Wi-Fi To Go device?

A Wi-Fi To Go device provides wireless internet (also known as Wi-Fi) to other devices that have Wi-Fi capability, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Using the wireless network and password provided in the Wi-Fi To Go kit, you can connect your devices to the Wi-Fi device and access the internet. Unlike cable or business-based Wi-Fi that has a limited range, these Wi-Fi devices let you access the internet from nearly anywhere—your home, in a park, or other places with mobile phone signals. 

MCPL is working on several more Tech To Go kits similar to Wi-Fi To Go.

If my area doesn’t have strong mobile phone signals, will it impact how the device works?

Depending on the strength of mobile phone service in your area, it could impact the device’s internet speed. The devices run on the T-Mobile LTE network, so you will need to be within this provider’s coverage area to function. 

How many devices can I connect to a Wi-Fi device?

The number of devices you can connect depends on what kind of activities you may be using the Wi-Fi device for. One Wi-Fi device can support up to 10 devices for basic web surfing or up to two or three devices for streaming. They run at 4G/LTE speeds, like the speed of mobile phone internet.

Do I need to pay for internet service?

No, the Library pays for the internet service, so it is completely free for customers. 

What network do the mobile Wi-Fi devices use? 

The devices run on the T-Mobile LTE network, so you will need to be within this provider’s coverage area to function. 

Who is allowed to check out a Wi-Fi device? 

Anyone with a Mid-Continent Public Library card may check out a Wi-Fi To Go kit. Only one kit can be checked out per card.

Get a library card now »

Can I place a Wi-Fi To Go on hold in advance? 

Yes, you can place them on hold through the Library’s online catalog and pick them up at any location. 

How long can I check out a Wi-Fi device for? 

The initial borrowing period is 14 days. If there no holds on the device (other customers waiting to use it), you may renew your checkout twice for a total of six weeks. You must return the entire Wi-Fi To Go kit at the end of the checkout period.

Can I extend my borrowing period if I need it longer? 

If there no holds on the device (other customers waiting to use it), you may renew your checkout twice for a total of six weeks. You must return the entire Wi-Fi To Go kit at the end of the checkout period.

What comes in the Wi-Fi To Go kit? 

The kit includes a Wi-Fi device (wireless internet device), a charging cord, instructions, and the case. Also included is a card with a web address that leads to a short survey for customers to provide the Library with feedback about their satisfaction with this service. Please make sure all parts of the kit are returned, so the Library can lend it to other customers as quickly as possible.

How do I return the device? 

Return the kit to any open Library location through.

What happens if I lose or damage the device?

The cost for a replacement device is $85, which will be charged to a customer’s account. 

What happens if I don’t return the device?

A week after the due date, the device will be disabled and a replacement fee of $85 will be placed on the customer's account. This fee will be removed if the device is returned.

Can the Library see how I used the internet service? 

The Library is not able to see your browsing history or other activity while connected to the devices. We do receive anonymous reports about the amount of data the device uses. 

Is my web browsing restricted in any way while using the device? 

The devices are equipped with a content filter that prevents viewing of pornographic and malicious websites. This keeps the Library in compliance with Federal regulations and Library policy. 

What should I do if the device seems to be broken or isn’t working correctly? 

For assistance with your device, contact T-Mobile via the phone number included in the Wi-Fi To Go kit.

How is the Library paying for this?

This service was made possible by CARES Act funding (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security), administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Jackson County, Missouri.

Can I purchase a unit from the Library to keep?

MCPL doesn’t have units for sale but most mobile phone providers, including T-Mobile, do. 

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