FAQs
Can I expect that this Wi-Fi will work inside storefronts?
How far out from Main Street can I expect the Wi-Fi to reach?
What is the speed of the network?
Are there limits to what I can download and upload?
Is my information safe while using the service?
Is the Wi-Fi prone to weather and/or other day-by-day factors?
Is information tracked through the Wi-Fi?
Will there be content I can’t access?
How can I connect to the Wi-Fi?
What devices are supported by the network?
Where is the funding coming from for the Buffalo Wi-Fi project?
What are the plans to expand Buffalo Wi-Fi?
How can I report an issue with the Wi-Fi?
Who can use the Wi-Fi?
The system was created for the use of the community and visitors to the City of Buffalo.
Is the Wi-Fi secure?
Buffalo Connect is an open-access wireless network, and the signal is not encrypted. Customers should use caution when working with sensitive information. Network users should also recognize the risk of entering user details and passwords into online accounts in public places. For further information please reference our Terms of Service and Acceptable Use.
Can I expect that this Wi-Fi will work inside storefronts?
No, this was set up as an outdoor service only. There may be places that happen to be covered by the service, but it was designed to only cover outdoor spaces.
How far out from Main St. can I expect the Wi-Fi to reach?
The support of the Buffalo Wi-Fi will be contained to the outdoor Main Street area; however, in some locations coverage may unintentionally extend.
What is the speed of the network?
The network speed will depend on a variety of factors including:
Are there limits to what I can download and upload?
Yes, there is a limited amount of bandwidth available for transferring data to and from a device through our service. The service we are providing is meant for simple activities and you may experience difficulties with large transfers.
Is my information safe while using the service?
Just like anything public, this service is open to anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device and caution should always be taken to protect your private and financial information; as well as, your property. Your use of Buffalo Connect shall be deemed to constitute acceptance by you of the Terms of Service and Acceptable Use, which govern your use of Buffalo Connect. The sponsors of the Wi-Fi bare no responsibility to any property damage done to a device or personal information as a result of joining the Wi-Fi.
Is the Wi-Fi prone to weather and/or other day-by-day factors?
Yes, performance can be hindered by daily environmental factors including weather.
Is the Wi-Fi use monitored?
Individual usage is not actively monitored; however, we reserve the right to block users who are found not in compliance with the Terms of Service and Acceptable Use.
Is information tracked through the Wi-Fi?
We track general statistics including, but not limited to:
Will there be content I can't access?
Accessing content may be limited for a number of reasons including but not limited to:
· Network speed at the time of use
· Location along the Wi-Fi route
We suggest checking your connection to the Wi-Fi and reading our Terms of Service and Acceptable Use which discusses our accessible use policy.
How can I connect to the Wi-Fi?
Depending on the type of device you are connecting with, we suggest you refer to your user manual. The name that will show up for our network is Buffalo-Connects.
What devices are supported by the network?
The system was designed to allow any device with wireless capabilities to connect including:
Where is the funding coming from for the Buffalo Wi-Fi project?
· The initial funding for the project was made possible by a generous contribution by M&T Bank.
· The fiber that the internet runs through is owned by the University at Buffalo.
· The locations of the access points are owned and operated by several parties.
Several sponsors across the community donated their time and we want to thank them including M&T Bank, the City of Buffalo, University of Buffalo, and the NFTA.
What are the plans to expand the Buffalo Wi-Fi?
There are no immediate plans to expand the system though it has been designed to be infinitely expandable with the right amount of resources.
How can I report an issue with the Wi-Fi?
To report a technical issue, please provide more information through the following form.