Wisconsin company to donate hundreds of Wi-Fi access points to Ukraine
WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- A Wisconsin company announced hundreds of Wi-Fi access points will be donated and shipped to Milwaukee’s sister city of Irpin in Ukraine.
Irpin, Ukraine has seen about 20 schools completely destroyed or severely damaged, according to leaders who held a press conference at City Hall Thursday morning. They're hoping these access points will help facilitate learning and assist families in communicating with their loved ones.
"With substantial population, including 22,000 temporary displaced citizens in Irpin, the demand for reliable internet connectivity is at an all-time high," said Halyna Salapata, president of the nonprofit Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc. "Connecting schools, public spaces and bomb shelters; thereby providing crucial connectivity to the community."
More than 800 site survivable Wi-Fi access points are being donated on behalf of Advanced Wireless Inc., as part of their local Wireless Schools Imitative annual grant program, which is now going international for the first time in its 15 years.
The town is located right near its capital of Kyiv. Russian troops first took ahold of this town back in March of 2022 with the intent of conquering the capital. Irpin's mayor, Oleksandr Markushyn, made an appearance virtually at City Hall Thursday to thank everyone.
"Today we are fighting for our democracy, for our freedom, for our land, and for our right to exist," said Markushyn, according to the English translator. "Without your support, this fight would not be possible."
It's been almost two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Karina Tweedell is part of Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc. She told CBS 58 News she is originally from the eastern part of Ukraine and that area is now occupied by Russia. She believes the donation is a long-term investment for the people of Ukraine.
"If we don't all work together, that war, unfortunately, can drag a long time, and every day matters, people are dying and our decisive support of Ukraine can make all the difference," she said.
The company will ship these Wi-Fi access points in a couple of weeks, and Ukraine will receive them in several months.