To help neighbors communicate with friends and relatives, keep up with school work, visit with their doctor via telehealth services and take part in other activities that are now done almost entirely online, Landus is making guest Wi-Fi access available in the parking lot of 10 of its cooperative locations including Paton, Farnhamville, Bayard, Yale, Beaver, Aredale, Britt, Kesley, Manilla, and Thompson. Additional locations will be announced in coming weeks.
Wi-Fi logistics
- Access Wi-Fi from your car in the designated parking spaces from 6 am to 9 pm
- Maintain social distancing by staying in your own vehicle while using this service.
- Wi-Fi users will not be granted access to Landus facilities
As the coronavirus pandemic has created an unparalleled and sudden shift to virtual working and learning, people in rural areas now more than ever are feeling the impacts of limited or unreliable internet connectivity. This initiative is part of a larger effort by Land O’Lakes, Inc., a member-owned co-op with deep roots across rural America, of which Landus is a member.
“Broadband internet access during these times is critical for learning, access to health information and for connecting virtually with our family and friends,” said Landus CEO Matt Carstens. “We are excited to share free Wi-Fi with our rural communities so all of our neighbors can access the digital resources they need and want. We know high speed, quality internet access is critical to the success of rural America, our farmer-owners and this cooperative.”
This service is being offered as part of a trial beginning on Saturday, May 16. Landus anticipates it will last indefinitely as a service to these 10 communities. The cooperative is investigating adding additional Wi-Fi services in its other communities with more details to come soon.
