Press Releases

In March the City of Gonzales launched the Internet for All initiative, a unique partnership between the City of Gonzales and T-Mobile.  Through this initiative Gonzales residents were able to receive a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with unlimited high-speed internet access at no cost.  A total of 2,000 hotspots were available for Gonzales residents.

After holding several drive-through pick-up events approximately 300 hotspots were left over. Gonzales loaned the hotspots to the Monterey County Health Department and the devices are now available for students to check out at Monterey County Libraries.

"Everyone in our community who wanted a hotspot was able to get one, and since we still had hotspots left and knew that there were many families throughout the County who do not have internet access at home, we worked with the County Health Department to make them available to families who needed them," said Carmen Gil, Director of Community Engagement for the City of Gonzales.

Many families in the U.S. experience what is known as the digital divide, meaning they do not have high speed internet at home.  Having access to high speed internet at home allows students to complete academic studies and advance in the areas of continuing education.  In addition, it provides households access to resources such as workforce assistance, telemedicine access, and banking services, to name a few.  Internet access at home empowers the entire household and helps reduce the digital divide.

The hotspots are available on a first come first served basis and must be returned to the library by February 20, 2021.  Students must have a Monterey County library card to check out a device and can apply for a free library card at emcfl.org or by calling a local branch.  Curbside pick-up is available.

For more information call 831-883-7555.