OIT outlines digital equity steps: Wi‑Fi finder, devices distribution and replatforming phila.gov

Melissa Scott, Philadelphia’s chief information officer, testified that the city is investing in a replatformed phila.gov, in-house mobile development and programs to expand broadband access and digital skills training.

Scott said the administration is replatforming the city website to modernize the public interface and enable single sign‑on for residents, add mobile‑app capabilities in‑house, and reduce long-term maintenance spending to avoid recurring vendor maintenance costs. “Bringing in‑house mobile development...will be able to create mobile apps for different departments,” Scott said.

On digital equity, Scott said the city and its franchise agreement with Verizon are lighting free public Wi‑Fi at 83 locations; 50 locations were operational at the time of the hearing and the administration has launched a Wi‑Fi finder to show residents where free broadband is available. Scott also described plans to hire “digital navigators” to distribute devices, provide digital skills training at recreation centers and libraries, and pilot esports and job-training activities in community sites.

Council members asked for impact metrics and enrollment counts for PHL Connected (a separate program providing subsidized broadband to K–12 households). Scott said she would provide follow-up data; council members requested a progress report and more details about how the administration will measure outcomes and reach neighborhoods with remaining needs.

Why it matters: Residents’ access to broadband and digital skills affects job access, civic participation and service delivery. The administration’s plan aims to pair connectivity with training and device distribution to create durable benefits.

Looking ahead: OIT will provide council with more granular impact metrics for PHL Connected, device distribution plans and a roll‑out schedule for the remaining Wi‑Fi locations and the digital-navigator program.