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1. Where can I access free Internet and/or computer access?

The Senior Center, Public Library, Community Center, Nash Zimmer Transportation Center, and Town Hall include indoor and outdoor free public Wi-Fi for “bring your own device”, as well as free public access terminals (Town Hall terminals are limited to municipal permitting and municipal bill pay). The Senior Center, Public Library, and Community Center also include access to Microsoft Office and printing. The school facilities include free public Wi-Fi for “bring your own device", however physical access to these facilities is governed by school safety guidelines.

2. Is Mansfield's public Internet access really free to use?

Yes! There is no charge for using our Public Wi-Fi and/or our Public Computer Terminals.

3. What areas are included in the Public Wi-Fi coverage?

Almost all indoor areas of the Senior Center, Public Library, Nash Zimmer Transportation Center, Town Hall, the Community Center, and our Schools are included. Additionally, some of the surrounding outdoor grounds of the Senior Center, Public Library, Community Center, and Town Hall are also included.

4. How do I use the Public Wi-Fi?

On your device, look for the wireless network called "MnsfldGuest" (our public Wi-Fi network). There is no password and it is free to use at the Senior Center, Mansfield Public Library, Community Center, Town Hall, and our Schools. It is a public network so you should not use it for any confidential or financial information. Please review the Acceptable Use policy at http://www.mansfieldct.org/town/wifiau.pdf.

5. Am I guaranteed privacy when using the public Wi-Fi?

No. Wireless connections are less secure than wired connections. You are advised not to use wireless to transmit confidential information such as unencrypted passwords, credit card numbers, financial records, or any other personal, private, or sensitive information. We do not provide encryption.

6. Does your Internet connection protect me from viruses?

No. While the Internet is a wonderful resource, there are some people who use it for malicious purposes to spread viruses, spyware, and malware. We highly recommend that you run anti-virus and security software on your device and keep your software up-to-date to reduce your risk.

7. Do you use content filtering software?

At the Public Library, we have filtering in accordance with Federal Erate Guidelines for Libraries, however staff can over-ride the filtering for adults. At our other Town facilities we have slightly higher filtering than the Library, but still a relatively low level of filtering. At our schools we use filtering appropriate for the age-level of the school. Ultimately, some inappropriate content will still get through so we advise you to be selective in the information that you access.

8. Is the wireless Internet connection guaranteed to work?

No. We are proud to provide a very reliable wireless network, but we can not guarantee that it will work with all equipment and there may be unexpected outages. We apologize for any inconvenience.

9. Where can I read the Acceptable Use text for your wireless service?

The Acceptable Use text is available at http://www.mansfieldct.org/town/wifiau.pdf. You need to read the acceptable use text as you are consenting to it when you access the public wireless.

10. Is wireless technology a health risk?

We are not aware of definitive studies that have found wireless Internet access to pose a health risk, but users are advised to make their own health decisions and to discontinue use if they feel it is a risk.

11. Can I use the public wireless Internet for whatever I want?

No. Wireless users are individually responsible for adhering to Federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and copyright. We may refuse wireless access to users who violate laws, regulations, the acceptable use text, or to any users’ whose activity disrupts the wireless network or is an inappropriate behavior in this facility or its grounds. We are not liable for misuse of the wireless connection.