Merit Network Launches Detroit Eduroam Expansion to Advance Digital Inclusion

DETROIT, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Digital Inclusion Week (October 6–10, 2025), Merit Network is proud to announce a community initiative to expand eduroam, the secure, global Wi-Fi network for education and research, in Detroit. This initiative is powered by funding from Rocket Community Fund, promoted by Wayne State University and the City of Detroit, and provided by Merit Network. 

Already live in more than 100 countries and at over 30,000 sites worldwide, eduroam ("education roaming") allows students, teachers, and staff to log in with their home institution credentials—no extra setup required. This expansion effort aims to extend secure Wi-Fi connectivity across the City of Detroit, enabling students of all levels, libraries, museums, businesses, and community anchor institutions to participate. 

"With economic mobility for Detroiters and the State of Michigan's "Sixty by 30" educational goal in mind, we are inviting all organizations supporting student collaboration and success to join us in strengthening the digital bridge between K12 and college," said Roger Blake, CEO, Merit Network, "We are grateful to have support from Rocket Community Fund to help us with our outreach efforts." 

"Merit Network is expanding eduroam across Detroit, building on Wayne State University's role as the city's anchor institution and for secure, roaming Wi-Fi. This effort strengthens digital inclusion for students, faculty, and community members—on campus and beyond. By also connecting local K-12 schools, including those in the Warriors on the Rise initiative, we're helping young learners access the tools they need to explore education and career pathways, in alignment with Wayne State's mission to advance knowledge and serve the community," said Rob Thompson, Wayne State University Chief Information Officer.

"We talk a lot about access, but eduroam takes that conversation to another level. It's not just about getting online—it's about making sure our students, our families, and our neighborhoods can plug directly into opportunity. Imagine a young person in Detroit being able to log on securely from a library, a rec center, or even a local coffee shop, and instantly connect to the same resources they use in their classroom. That's powerful. That's how you build confidence, open doors to learning, and create pathways that lead from school into higher education and, ultimately, into the workforce," said Art Thompson, City of Detroit Chief Information Officer.

Unlike traditional guest Wi-Fi, which requires passwords and can create barriers to access, eduroam offers a friction-free, trusted way to connect. The network is built on the highest security standards, reducing the burden of guest Wi-Fi management while fostering collaboration and discovery.

Benefits for Participating Organizations Include:

• Attracting Visitors: More appealing venues for study sessions, professional gatherings, and events.
• Secure Connectivity: Automatic, reliable, password-free access that reduces IT strain.
• Community Impact: Supports digital inclusion and bridges connectivity gaps for students of all ages.

Merit Network, Michigan's nonprofit research and education network, provides step-by-step guidance for organizations interested in joining the pilot. Most organizations require only minor configurations to existing Wi-Fi systems, and the setup process is fully supported.

For more information and to sign up, visit: www.merit.edu/eduroam

CONTACT: Barnaby Pung, Marketing, Merit Network, [email protected]

SOURCE Merit Network