Because of concerns over COVID-19 many schools have gone to online-only instruction for the rest of the year. If you had been relying on free internet on campus, you may need free or low-cost internet right now! The good new is that you have a couple of options to explore.
Sources of Free Internet
Public places like libraries, city halls, and college campuses may still have internet you can use.
Local Public Libraries
- Many public libraries are offering free internet in their parking lots.
- Call them before going there.
- Ask for the best area to park.
- Ask for the hours of operation, they may be altered.
- Search WorldCat.org to find a library near you
Town Halls and Recreation Centers
- Offer WiFi in their parking lots. Call them before going there.
- Ask for the best area to park.
- Ask for the hours of operation.
College Campuses
- Public areas like dorms and libraries may be closed, but WiFi should still be available on campuses, in parking lots, and in outdoor areas.
Free or Reduced Cost Internet
Contact your local internet or cell phone provider. Many are offering free or reduced cost Internet access for a limited time. When dealing with companies, read the fine print. Do not get locked into a contract that you cannot afford.
Spectrum
- Free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription.
- To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
- If you do not call to cancel your service before free period ends, they will charge you a monthly fee.
- Wi-Fi hot-spots open across its footprint for public use.
Comcast
- Comcast is offering 2 months free to new Internet Essentials customers.
- After the free trial, the price is $9.95/month.
- Call 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
- Xfinity WiFi hotspots are open across their national footprint for public use.
AT&T (home internet)
- Offering two months of free service to new Access customers who order by April 30, 2020.
- $5/mo to $10/mo after free period.
- Complete online application to get started.
Sprint
- Sprint customers with data plans will have unlimited smartphone data through mid-May, along with an additional 20 GB of hotspot/tethering service.
- Customers without unlimited plans will get 60 days of unlimited data (a minimum of two bill cycles) for free.
- Customers will also get an extra 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) for free.
- For the next 60 days, Sprint says it is waiving late fees for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- More details on Sprint’s website.
T-Mobile
- Most T-Mobile customers with data plans will have unlimited smartphone data through mid-May, along with an additional 20 GB of hotspot/tethering service.
- More details at T-Mobile’s website.
PCs for People
- PCs for People offers high speed 4G LTE internet service starting at $15.00 per month.
- Plans are prepaid with no credit check or hidden fees.
- This option is a little more expensive initially, because you have to prepare for several months at a time and purchase the LTE wireless modem.
