Mayor Lurie, Supervisor Sauter Bring Free Public Wifi To Chinatown

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie and District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter today announced the expansion of #SFWiFi, San Francisco’s free public Wi-Fi network, to Chinatown. The expansion will connect hundreds of Chinatown households—more than half of whom do not have broadband access—to the city’s network, ensuring free, reliable access in public spaces. Starting today, #SFWiFi is available at the Dragon’s Gate, in St. Mary’s Square, and along Grant Avenue between Broadway and Pacific Avenue. Throughout the next year, the Department of Technology (DT) will work to connect the rest of the neighborhood. 

Mayor Lurie is taking action to deliver for Chinatown. In September, he helped deliver $33.5 million in critical funding awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to support a transformative affordable housing project at 772 Pacific Avenue. The project will create up to 175 new affordable homes for low-income and formerly homeless seniors. Mayor Lurie is also working to improve public safety in Chinatown. Since January, crime is down more than 40% year to date in the San Francisco Police Department’s Central district, which serves the neighborhood.

“As the global leader in technology, San Francisco should deliver the best technology services for our residents. Starting today, we are,” said Mayor Lurie. “I am proud to announce the launch of free public Wi-Fi in Chinatown for all residents and visitors. Access and opportunity online must be available to everyone—no matter how much you make or what language you speak. Together, in partnership with Supervisor Sauter, we are building a future that makes this opportunity a reality.” 

“Access to reliable Wi-Fi in San Francisco’s Chinatown isn’t just about connection, it’s about equity. It ensures seniors, families, and small businesses can access resources, opportunities, and community in the digital age,” said Supervisor Sauter. “I want to thank the Department of Technology for leading this project to increase Wi-Fi in Chinatown and Mayor Lurie for advocating for the residents.” 

San Francisco’s #SFWiFi network currently provides free public internet in more than 20 community hubs citywide—including Union Square, Civic Center Plaza, and parks and recreation centers. 

“Expanding #SFWiFi in Chinatown will ensure broader, more reliable coverage for residents, vendors, and visitors alike. This enhanced network will strengthen everyday internet access for the thousands who live, work, and shop in this neighborhood. It will also support cherished community events like Lunar New Year and the Autumn Moon Festival,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “The Chinatown Wi-Fi Project advances digital equity in one of our densest neighborhoods and furthers our commitment to making government services more accessible to all. I want to thank the Department of Technology team for their outstanding work in helping San Francisco lead the way in digital inclusion.”

The expansion to Chinatown will roll out in two phases. Phase one, covering Grant Avenue between Bush Street and Broadway, will be completed in time for the Chinese New Year parade in March 2026. Phase two, expected by the end of 2026, will extend coverage on Stockton Street between Bush Street and Broadway and additional alleyways, side streets, and other public spaces. Wi-Fi coverage will expand to Portsmouth Square once the current renovations are complete. 

This project is made possible by DT’s work to install the first extensive fiber optic network in Chinatown. In addition to enabling public Wi-Fi expansion, the fiber optic network will allow the city to provide in-home reliable high-speed internet to affordable housing in the neighborhood in the future through DT’s Fiber to Housing program. 

“Our department is proud to provide free, high-speed internet to the heart of Chinatown,” said Mike Makstman, City Chief Information Officer and Director of the Department of Technology. “Not only do we work in this neighborhood, we are a part of this neighborhood, and some of us grew up here. This work will help connect families, support local businesses, and enhance the experience of visitors to our beautiful city.”

The Chinatown Wi-Fi expansion is part of DT’s work to improve digital access in communities that have faced slower, costlier, and less reliable internet service. Similar work is underway in the Tenderloin and Bayview neighborhoods, and DT plans to partner with commercial internet service providers to expand service offerings.

“The Wi-Fi project is a long-overdue step toward closing the digital divide in San Francisco’s Chinatown,” said Anisha Hingorani, Policy Manager at Chinese for Affirmative Action. “Our report, ‘San Francisco’s Digital Deserts: How San Francisco Chinatown and other neighborhoods are left behind in the digital divide,’ found that nearly half of Chinatown households do not have broadband access. The public Wi-Fi project, paired with free broadband for low-income SRO tenants, will finally give immigrant families the ability to participate in online activities that are essential for work, school, and daily life. We look forward to working with city leaders to closing the digital gap in Chinatown.” 

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