DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Comcast has opened public Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots in the Dothan area at no cost to help residents stay connected during Hurricane Isaias. Anyone can use the participating hotspots, including people who are not Xfinity customers.
According to Comcast, Houston County and Florida’s Jackson County are included in the opening of more than 26,000 public hotspots across parts of Alabama, Florida’s Panhandle, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The hotspots offer another way to get online to check weather updates, find storm resources, contact family and receive information about closures and shelters. They could also help residents whose home internet service is interrupted, provided a nearby hotspot remains operational.
Public hotspots are located indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks, community gathering areas and local businesses.
To find a nearby location, visit the Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspot Map, enter your ZIP code and zoom into the map. Select a hotspot to view its location details.
Once within range, open your device’s Wi-Fi settings and choose “xfinitywifi.” Then open a web browser and select “Accept and Connect” or follow the instructions on the screen.
People who do not have Xfinity Internet should look for the “Get Connected” section and accept the terms and conditions. Complimentary sessions can be renewed every 12 hours.
Xfinity customers can sign in with their Xfinity ID and password. Comcast says those customers will automatically connect to available Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots in the future after signing in. Customers can also use the Xfinity app to help connect.
If the “Accept and Connect” button does not appear, Comcast says that hotspot is not open to the public, and users should choose another location.
Comcast said the opening is part of its efforts to keep residents, first responders and communities connected before, during and after severe weather. The company will continue monitoring conditions and working with local officials, extending availability if needed.
The announcement did not provide an ending date for the free access.
Customers can check service updates at xfinity.com/response or sign up for service text alerts through the Xfinity app.
