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Connectivity Supports During COVID-19
Cox and Verizon have signed onto the FCC's Keep American's Connected pledge which means they will not disconnect the internet for lack of payment or charge late fees. They will also open up hot spots to be used in communities. https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected.
Resources for students or families with studentsInternet access Devices Cox’s Connect2Compete plan offers $10/month internet for low-income families who are not current (or recent former) Cox customers. Cox is currently offering 1 month free Connect2Compete and “fast track” enrollment for new customers Many RI districts are doing Chromebook distributions; check with your local district to see if you are eligible.
Resources for nonprofits or educational institutionsInternet access Devices PCs for People sells mobile hotspots ($95) with the ability to prepay 1, 3, 6, or 12 months of internet access ($15 for one month; $180 for 12 months). Nonprofits who work with low-income residents are able to purchase in bulk but must contact PCs for People for purchase restrictions.
Mobile Beacon (a RI-based company) provides prepaid 4G LTE unlimited WiFi (via purchased mobile hotspots) for nonprofits. Hotspots cost between $60 and $500 and one year of prepaid internet is available for $120. There is currently a waitlist for hotspots. Nonprofits who wish to purchase more than 100 hotspots at a time should contact Mobile Beacon directly and not place an online order.
The Sprint 1Million project is available to school districts with at least 50 high school students who do not have access to in-home internet. The program provides connected smartphones, tablets, and hotspots at no cost to districts. Currently, Sprint 1Million is accepting applications for its waitlist for the 2020-21 school year. Providence Public Schools is a Sprint 1Million participating district.PCs for People provides low-cost devices (average $150 laptops) for residents who are either at 200% poverty level or below or who qualify for federal assistance. They are currently running a 20% off for new customers discount
TMobile is offering free hotspots or free tablets for nonprofits/government entities looking to serve multiple residents (no restrictions on eligibility). Unlimited hotspot data plans are $30/month and tablet plans are $20/month. All are available on TMobile’s 4G LTE network; tablets can connect up to 10 users. Learn more here or contact Donna Monahan for more information.
Note: Nonprofits can sign up to be eligible for the Tech Soup Mobile Beacon donation program here; educational institutions can sign up for the Digital Wish Mobile Beacon donation program here
Resources for low-income residentsInternet access Devices PCs for People sells mobile hotspots ($95) with the ability to prepay 1, 3, 6, or 12 months of internet access ($15 for one month; $180 for 12 months); buyers must prove low-income status to be eligible. Limit one per customer.
Verizon operates the Lifeline program for the FCC in Rhode Island, offering a $9.95/month discount for households on public assistance who are Verizon customers. Scroll down the page for the application.
Disponible en espagnolPCs for People provides low-cost devices (average $150 laptops) for residents who are either at 200% poverty level or below or who qualify for federal assistance. They are currently running a 20% off for new customers discount
General resourcesInternet access Devices Cox has made their Internet Essentials plan free for 1 month and has discounted their other plans, generally.
Some local libraries have wifi hotspots available for loan, including Pawtucket, Providence Community Library, Warwick, and Barrington. Aggregated information on these programs is here.
Public wifi areas are available across the state as well. Use this WiFi Map App to locate public wifi options in RI or enable Facebook Wifi Locator to search through Facebook (no link)
See if you qualify for additional offers through EveryoneOn’s Find Offers database (updated in light of COVID-related offerings)
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