Rural life shouldn’t mean sacrificing your connection to the world. At MCSnet, we’re committed to bringing reliable, affordable internet to every corner of your community. That’s why we’re teaming up with local partners to expand our Wi-Fi hotspots primarily in GigAir communities and some fiber locations. This gives guests the freedom to stay connected wherever life takes you.
Imagine blazing-fast internet at your fingertips, whether you’re cheering from the stands at the hockey rink, keeping tabs on the kids at the pool, or relaxing at the ski lodge. With MCSnet, you can connect all your devices – phones, laptops, tablets – to our growing network of hotspots. Our hotspot network allows access with the same login and password at each location.
Don’t let spotty internet hold you back. Embrace a life without boundaries with MCSnet, your rural internet provider.
What is a Wi-Fi hotspot?
Think of a Wi-Fi hotspot as a doorway to the internet. It’s a special spot that connects to the online world, letting you hook up your devices – like your phone or tablet – without using your cellular data. This can be hugely beneficial when the cellular data is not the strongest on the countryside. With MCSnet, you don’t even have to think about it. Your device can automatically connect to our free Wi-Fi whenever you’re near one of our hotspots. No more data worries, just seamless internet access.
What are the benefits of a free public hotspot Wi-Fi area?
Non-profit organizations and municipalities know that offering free Wi-Fi hotspot areas can empower their communities. They create affordable and accessible internet for everyone.
- Providing public Wi-Fi access can have a significant impact on tourism. When travelling, people want to stay in contact with their family, friends, or work colleagues without worrying about roaming charges or going over their cellular data.
- Students can complete their homework assignments while waiting for their next swimming lesson or hockey practice.
- Public Wi-Fi for our seniors in lodge settings keeps them meaningfully connected. Older adults are accessing the internet for social media, entertainment, shopping, and even remote medical visits. Seniors today expect connectivity when transitioning from a home to a lodge environment.
- Free wireless services increase digital inclusion. Whether you’re taking an online course, checking in with work remotely, or making a virtual call around the world, providing free public internet helps those who live in underserved areas.
These are just some of the ways free Wi-Fi hotspots can improve the quality of life for people and benefit all of our communities.
How do I connect?
MCSnet Wi-Fi gets you online when you’re on the go. Look for our sign in public areas.
On your device, go to settings or the network icon. Select MCSNET FREE from the available networks, enter the password-free wifi and connect. You can save this network to automatically join the next time you visit that location or anywhere you may be entering one of our free Wi-Fi areas. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.
Is there a fee to access it?
Nope, accessing MCSnet hotspots won’t cost you a dime! You don’t even have to be a customer. We believe everyone deserves access to quality internet, so we’re building a connected community across rural Alberta, bridging the digital divide one hotspot at a time.
Is it secure?
While MCSnet Wi-Fi hotspots are a convenient and free way to connect, it’s important to remember that any public Wi-Fi comes with some security risks. Just like you wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, it’s wise to take precautions when using public Wi-Fi. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect your personal information. Avoid accessing sensitive information like banking or personal accounts while on public Wi-Fi. We have listed a few simple steps below so you can enjoy the convenience of MCSnet hotspots while keeping your online activity safe. Read in detail about Using Free Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
- Don’t access your personal or financial information.
- Log in or send personal information only to websites you know are fully encrypted. Look for a lock icon near your browser’s location field. The lock symbol and the related website address containing “HTTPS” mean that the connection between your web browser and the website server is encrypted.
- Don’t stay permanently signed into accounts.
- Don’t use the same password on different websites.
- Pay attention to warnings.
Where are MCSnet hotspots located?
We partner with non-profit organizations and municipalities to offer free public Wi-Fi in areas that make sense. Check out this list of free public Wi-Fi hotspots:
Village of Andrew
Chipman
Chipman National Hall
Athabasca County
Athabasca & District Seniors Center
Village of Glendon
MD of Bonnyville
Kinosoo Ski Ridge Snow Resort (chalet area)
Bonnyville C2 Centennial Centre
ACFA Regionale de Bonnyville-Cold Lake
Bonnyville Seniors Drop-In Centre
Town of Redwater
Redwater & District Pioneer Club
Hamlet of Grassland
Hamlet of Radway
Hamlet of Derwent
Town of St. Paul
The Royal Canadian Legion St. Paul Branch
Overnight Campground
St. Paul & District Agricultural Society
St. Paul & District Lions Club
St. Paul Recreation Center And The Multipurpose Room
Hamlet of Plamondon
Village of Vilna
Hamlet of St. Michael
St. Michael Golden Age Club
Village of Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley Drop In Centre
Village of Myrnam
Myrnam Community Hall Association
Village of Mannville
Mannville Seniors Drop-In Centre
Jesus Rock of Ages Global Ministries
Mannville Elks Hall
Village of Boyle
Boyle Community Centre
Boyle And District Curling Club Association
Hamlet of Ashmont
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 68
Town of Two Hills
Two Hills Rec Centre and Arena
Two Hills Seniors Center
Town of Elk Point
Elk Point & District Curling Club
Elk Point Regional Allied Arts Society
Elk Point Pioneer Seniors Centre
Elk Point Riding Arena
Town of Legal
ACFA Legal
Town of Legal Library
Town of Vegreville
Vegmin Learning Society
Town of Smoky Lake
Ukrainian Educational Association Of Taras Shevchenko (National Hall)
Waskatenau Senior Citizens Association
Smoky Lake Drop In Centre
Victoria Trail Ag Society (Fitness Centre)
Waskatenau Community Centre
Hamlet of Mallaig
Mallaig Arena and Curling Rink
Town of Bruderheim
Island Lake Memorial Park
Town of Mundare
Mundare Senior Citizens Club
Mundare Curling Rink and Rec Centre
Town of Marwayne
Marwayne Agricultural Society
Marwayne Curling Club
Town of Barrhead
Barrhead Legion Branch 75
County of Barrhead Airport Terminal
Barrhead Art Club
Town of Bon Accord
Bon Accord Community Centre
Hamlet of Blackfoot
Hamlet of Egremont
Egremont Community Club
Hamlet of Bruce
Bruce Ag Society
Hamlet of Dewberry
Dewberry and District Agricultural Society (Arena)
Village of Edgerton
Edgerton Arena
Town of Lamont
Lamont Arena
Village of Irma
Irma Curling Club
Irma Horizon Senior Center
Village of Kitscoty
Town of Tofield
Nature Centre and Museum
Tofield Agricultural Society
The House Ministries Of Tofield
Tofield Community Hall
Tofield Golden Club
Tofield-Ryley And Area Food Bank
Tofield Curling Club
Village of Ryley
Ryley Royal Canadian Legion
Ryley Pool
Town of Viking
Royal Canadian Legion Viking #81
Viking Agriculture Society
Viking Curling Club
Viking Historical Society
Viking United Church
Viking Golf Course
Viking Senior Citizens Club
Village of Irma
Irma Horizon Senior Centre
Irma Curling Club
Irma Arena
Village of Innisfree
Innisfree Historical Society
Village of Holden
The Gallery Holden Event Arts Rec & Tourism Society
Village of Czar
Shorncliffe Park Improvement Association
We’re always adding new MCSnet hotspots across rural Alberta. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on where we’re launching our latest locations:
How can our municipality or non-profit organization secure a public hotspot for free public use?
At MCSnet, we look at the bigger picture. Our goal is to grow internet connectivity in our service area, but we also believe investing in our communities will advance connections and create a more thriving world. Every day, we work to remove the digital divide and help our communities to become on par with our more urban neighbours.
Accessibility comes down to continually improving our impact and contributions to our service area. To drive this goal, we welcome the opportunity to explore partnerships that enhance our communities. We consider all mutually beneficial solutions, including free Wi-Fi hotspots for non-profits and municipally-owned locations. Learn more about our Municipal Partnerships program and sign up today.
