Internet connection options for students

In response to the COVID-2019 pandemic a number of internet providers have signed the FCC’s Keep America Connected Pledge. The companies pledge in the next 60 days to:

1. Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because they cannot pay their bills during the outbreak.
2. Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic.
3. Open their Wi-Fi hot-spots to any American who needs them.

Here is a list of what some companies who have signed the pledge are doing to help people stay connected to the internet. Click the links for more information.

• AT&T offers open hot-spots, unlimited data for existing customers, and free internet for 60 days for low income households through Access (this service costs $10/month plus tax after the first 60 days), and free installations.
• CenturyLink offers unlimited data for current customers and no disconnects or late fees.
• Charter offers free broadband and WiFi access for 60 Days for new K-12 and college student households and will waive instillation fees.
• Comcast offers free WiFi for 2 months to low income households through their Internet Essentials service, unlimited data for current customers, and no disconnects or late fees.
• Sprint provides unlimited data to existing customers on select metered data plans, allows 20 GB of free mobile hot-spot data to customers who have hot-spot capable phones and plans, and offers waived fees for certain international calls. Additional options are available for Boost Mobile customers.
• T-Mobile provides unlimited data to existing customers on select metered data plans, allows 20 GB (10GB/month) of free mobile hot-spot data to customers who have hot-spot capable phones and plans, and offers waived fees for certain international calls. Additional options available through Metro.
• Verizon is waiving late fees, upgrade fees, and activation fees on new lines; offering free international calls to certain countries; and unlimited domestic calls through April 30.
• Xfinity offers free hot-spots to the public.

Andrew Schneider