Cerritos College is looking to install a wifi network open to all students around campus, free of charge.

The project is currently in phase one, which means that other colleges that currently have such a system in place are being researched.

Oscar Franco, commissioner of student outreach, said, “Currently, Cypress College is offering free wifi, and Rio Hondo to my understanding as well.”

Franco explained the ASCC is trying to get in touch with other colleges to find out how the system is being implemented, who the providers are, how it’s being funded and what security measures need to be taken to install such a network.

Cerritos College currently has a wifi network in place, but it is not free. It is only available to AT&T users, explained Director of Student Activities Holly Bogdanovich.

“I doubt every student on campus would want to suscribe to AT&T just to receive free wifi at school,” she said.

Although receiving wifi on campus is convenient for most students, it creates a problem for the computer labs.

If students are provided with the usage of wifi, the computer labs will have less demand.

Franco explained, “What the school is afraid of is that the computer labs will no longer be of use and less students will attend them for academic assistance.”

Bogdanovich expressed, “We are trying to figure out a way not only provide the service for students, but also not create a problem or conflict with computer labs.”

Some students agree that they would use computer labs less if they would be capable of receiving free wifi service on their laptops.

Marlett Alvirez, administration of justice major, explained that she would rather use her laptop than the computer lab.

“I think it would work well if you’re willing to do the work. It can be both an aid and a distraction for students,” she said.