Need Wi-Fi in LA's wildfire crisis? Where to find one of Spectrum's 35,000 free hotspots

If you’re displaced by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Spectrum is offering free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected.

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In the midst of power outages and cell tower loss, it’s getting difficult for many people to contact loved ones or to do necessary things online. More than 100,000 people have been evacuated, nearly as many are on standby to evacuate, and more than a million people are without power.

Free internet access

Last week, Spectrum opened 35,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Los Angeles to the public, providing free internet access to anyone that needs it. The hotspots cover a large portion of the city, and you can find them in places like restaurants, parks, cafes, retail stores, city streets, and more. In most locations, you should even be able to access the internet in your vehicle outside.

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These networks are already free for Spectrum customers, but non-customers usually need to pay a small fee. Users who have taken advantage of the service report being online in seconds with good speeds.

How to connect

To connect to one, search the map to find the closest location. Once you’re in range, find the network called “Spectrum Free Trial” and connect. There’s no time limit, and you won’t need to provide any personal information or create an account.

In addition, Spectrum also announced that customers who had company equipment damaged by fires won’t be charged for the loss, and customers who are still without Spectrum service will proactively receive credits until they are back online. These credits will automatically apply to your next billing cycle.

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Other ISPs are also offering assistance to the area. T-Mobile and Starlink are deploying satellite texting service in the Los Angeles area. Verizon is waiving any usage fees for both prepaid and postpaid customers and setting up free public charging stations, and AT&T is waiving any overage charges and also setting up charging stations.