Free Internet For Students: Service Providers Offering This Service
Free Internet for students: During these trying times, we are facing an international epidemic. Getting online is more essential than ever before, particularly for students. Finding information, attending online classes and doing research might seem difficult however, we’ve got the solution. Take a look at the various companies that offer access to internet for students at no cost.
The COVID-19 virus has forced the closing of 124,000 schools across the United States. Schools are turning to online education to stop the spread of the latest coronavirus.
However, due to the high cost and lack of access, more than 3 million students don’t have internet access at home. In the end, the majority of students are not able to complete their studies.
Students will be able to connect to their virtual classes due to the cooperation between school districts and a few of the most popular internet service providers.
In the midst of this moment of crisis, internet companies have been doing something completely new by offering students and families with low incomes free or subsidised internet access. For students we’ll break down the key players and their sources
What Are Service Providers?
The term “service provider” refers to a business that, instead of offering a service, gives skilled care or special services. Companies that deal in technologies or communications like mobile phone companies, or Internet service providers will be familiar with the term frequently.
They seldom refer to other organizations that are related to service like mechanics or banks, for example, as providers of services, even though this term is acceptable. Instead of working on single sales, companies that are in this field often offer subscriptions to their clients.
Service providers are available in many designs and dimensions. They typically are focused on a particular the market they are targeting.
While it’s not uncommon to have a relationship with more than one type of service provider, having two providers of the same kind isn’t common. Very few, for example can have more than one kind of Internet service, like cable or DSL that they can connect to their residence.
Internet service providers (ISPs) offer Internet access and act as the hub for a number of other services related to computers.
There are many of options for service like the cable modem, dial-up or DSL The overall quality of service is the same across all firms.
In exchange for granting users access to their system and networks to transfer data, the majority of ISPs require a monthly subscription cost. Their network is connected to other networks and gives them full Internet access.
The term “network service provider” (NSP) provides connectivity between ISPs with business and household networks which allows them to connect with each other. In addition to ISPs are expanding, many NSPs have expanded to commercial and household services which blurs the line between these two kinds of companies. NSPs can also provide telephone companies access, which allows traditional and cellular calls to be transferred.
App Service Providers (ASPs) offer computer-related services like program access for remote support and repair. These companies who offer software as a services typically utilize highly-specialized software used to perform specific tasks.
As long as the subscriber’s company wants to use it, they have access to the software via an online interface. ASP heading is a reference to games that are online, and is often considered to be a business service.
The games are able to attract millions of players and make them among the most profitable areas within the ASP market
Internet-connected information, such as downloads or web pages and other files, are kept by the hosting providers. Hosting service providers provide an infrastructure for building web pages, storing data and exchanging data. This eliminates the need of commercial and household users to have a server to store their information.
The ability to talk to one another via the telephone system thanks for telecom services. The use of landlines is decreasing and communication nowadays is done via satellites and extensive ground networks.
It’s becoming more commonplace to use a landline and the cell phone on the same line the case with an Internet video or broadcast on cable TV.
List Of Service Providers – Free Internet For Students
Let’s look at some the Service Providers we’ve got:
1. FreedomPop – Free Internet For Students
It is an Los Angeles, California-based wireless Internet and mobile virtual network operator. The company offers devices such as mobile phones and tablets and other internet-connected gadgets using its IP mobile service that comprise “free” data, text and VoIP.
The CEO Stephen Stokols and Steven Sesar established the company, and it was operated and owned by STS Media Inc until they closed it down in June.
Sprint along with AT&T Networks within the United States, Three in the United Kingdom, Yoigo in Spain along with Telcel within Mexico are all utilized by FreedomPop.
2. NetZero – Free Internet For Students
It is an California-based Internet service provider located in Woodland Hills. It is an affiliate of United Online, which is an affiliate of B. Riley Financial, an investment bank. Juno Online Services and Bluelight Internet Services are also part of United Online.
3. Lumen Technologies, Inc. (formerly CenturyLink) – Free Internet For Students
is a network, communication services, cloud-based solutions for voice and managed services provider with its headquarters within Monroe, Louisiana. The company is an official Fortune 500 corporation and a part of the S&P 500 index.
Voice over long and local distances broadband, MPLS private lines (including specific access), Ethernet, hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting) Data integration, video network public access Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and information technology and other ancillary services comprise the company’s services for communications.
Lumen is also a partner for multinational companies across North America, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Asia Pacific.
4. EveryoneOn – Free Internet For Students
is a national non-profit organization that works to close the digital divide by working with technology companies and libraries, content creators, and many other organizations to offer everyone Americans with low-cost and free technology and education.
5. Frontier Communications Corporation – Free Internet For Students
They were previously known as citizens Communications Company as Citizens Utilities Company up to May 2000. They then changed their name to Citizens Utilities Company until July 31st in 2008. The company is an American Telecommunications Company.
The company previously served only small and rural towns, but the company now serves a variety of metropolitan markets.
6. AT&T Inc. – Free Internet For Students
It was initially known as the American Telephone and Telegraph Company It is now a Delaware-registered global conglomerate holding company that has its headquarters located in Downtown Dallas, Texas.
It is the biggest telecoms company worldwide and the biggest provider of mobile telephone solutions within the United States. With a revenue of $181 billion for 2020. They were ranked AT&T as 9th in the Fortune 500 list of the most important American companies.
AT&T has joined forces with schools that are participating in the K-12 program and institutions to offer 60 days of wireless data through hotspots and 4G LTE devices that are issued by schools. devices. The cellular signals are accessible to the majority of households who don’t have access to high-speed internet.
AT&T provides access to AT&T the internet for those with low incomes through a program for those with low incomes. Anyone who meets the requirements will get 2 months’ service no cost. People who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or are enrolled of Head Start, the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch (NSLP) as well as Head Start programs are eligible.
They provide AT&T in 21 states which includes California, Texas, and Florida offering the largest coverage.
7. Charter Communications, Inc –
It is a telecommunications and media company located within the United States that offers Spectrum-branded services.
It is the second-largest operator of cable across the United States by subscribers, just ahead of Comcast and is the third-largest pay-TV provider, behind Comcast and AT&T with over 26 million subscribers in 41 states.
In terms of the amount of lines that are residential, Charter is the fifth-largest phone company.
8. Charter Spectrum
One of the most attractive deals is Spectrum’s free Internet and WiFi (up up to 100Mbps) for 60 days to families with college students or students in the K-12 grades who do not have Spectrum services.
There are no charges for installation or the prepayment. The cost is only accessible to new customers, and they use the credit as the initial two years of their service.
Spectrum has been made available to customers in 42 states and the areas that include Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Saint Louis, and San Antonio being the most heavily populated.
9. OPTIMUM AND SUDDENLINK (ALTICE)
The two companies Optimum and Suddenlink are part of the same parent company, are providing new customers with 60 days of no-cost internet. The Altice Advantage 30Mbps broadband plan is offered for households that have students (K-12 as well as college students) who don’t have internet at home service.
For the East Coast, they only provide Optimum in 4 states: Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Suddenlink provides service to 20 states, the majority of which are located in the South comprising Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana.
10. COX COMMUNICATIONS
Cox offers a basic package with 50Mbps that costs 20 dollars per month. Its basic internet plan is $30 for 10Mbps. So it’s a significant upgrade.
Connect2Compete is the company’s initiative for internet access for those with low incomes, has also been made available. Cox will give away the first two months absolutely free ($10 per month thereafter) and increasing speeds up to 50Mbps.
Families with children aged K-12 with NSLP, SNAP, Tenant-Based Vouchers and Project-Based Vouchers Section 8 Rent Assistance (PBRA) or who reside in Public Housing are eligible to apply for
They provide Cox across 19 states, including Arizona, California, and Virginia offering the most coverage.
For California, Google is partnering with the local government to provide 100 000 Wi-Fi hotspots for free in homes in rural areas for three months. in addition, Google is contributing $4,000 to students.
Schools are Helping too
A lot of institutions are doing all they can to ensure their students access to online education. Certain school districts are using Wi-Fi-equipped school buses that be parked in various areas during the daytime to provide internet access to students
Certain school districts are collaborating in partnership with cellphone companies in order to provide tablets with LTE connectivity as well as mobile hotspots to students.
Students who wish to utilize the internet should contact the school district, their university as well as their local internet provider to determine what resources are accessible
School Districts
In addition to what was already mentioned, it is crucial to note it is important to emphasize Philadelphia School District is aware of importance of connectivity to the internet for our families and students.
To safeguard our children, their families as well as staff and teachers and the wider Philadelphia community The District is committed in identifying strategies to meet the needs of our students’ education as well as promoting the social distancing of behaviors
The Philadelphia School District is working together with City of Philadelphia and Internet service providers to research Internet connections for our families and students.
Below is a listing of the most current free or cheap Internet and Wi-Fi connectivity options. They provide details of the details of each Internet service provider’s offerings and any limitations or restrictions on their respective websites.
The Philadelphia School District is not a partner with any solution providers, services or products and is providing this information to provide informational purposes only.
Previous Options From Commercial Providers
1. Comcast – Free Internet For Students
Comcast offers new customers who have limited resources 60 (60) months of no-cost Comcast Internet Essentials regardless if they have Comcast debt. The details are available in range of languages, as is shown in the table below.
For more information on the eligibility requirements, visit their website. The app is available across seven (7) different languages. The app is available in seven different languages. Internet Essentials does not require the use of a Social Security number.
PHL City IDs fall one of the various types of documentation that are accepted by Comcast. Here is an entire list. https://internetessentials.com/get-help.
Comcast offers free upgrades to Internet Essentials speeds from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps for all customers. This is an increase from the Internet Essentials base speed.
Customers who have Internet Essential can also get a laptop for just $150.
From May 2020 onwards, Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots across the country will be available for anyone who requires them, including non-Xfinity Internet customers. Visit www.xfinity.com/wifi for a map of Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots.
Customers should select for the “xfinitywifi” network name from the list of networks available after connecting to the Hotspot and then launch a browser. The period during which you can access Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots for free may vary in time, and could be limited to a particular amount of hours each month or day. For more details, get in touch with Comcast directly.
2. Verizon – Free Internet For Students
The people who qualify will be eligible for affordable Internet access via the Verizon Lifeline program. There are some restrictions. Check out their Lifeline page for more details about the service.
From June 30 to June 30th, Verizon will waive overage and late charges for customers financial impacted by COVID-19 issue.
Current Lifeline customers will get two months of no-cost Internet and telephony service up to June 30th at Verizon.
Verizon is expanding the number of high-speed Internet available to wireless customers as well as small-sized enterprises by 15GB.
There are no data cap on Fios as well as DSL broadband Internet options for consumers as well as small-sized businesses.
3. AT&T and Cricket – Free Internet For Students
In the event of their inability to pay their bill, AT&T will not end the service for the wireless service, including home telephone or broadband small or residential customer
AT&T will not charge the cost of any voice, data or text plan overage charges. AT&T will also waive any late payment penalties for any wireless, home phone or internet-connected household or small business customer because of the economic problems. To apply for an exemption, go here.
AT&T is continuing to offer its Wi-Fi Hotspots accessible to all who wants them.
Cricket introduces a brand new unlimited $15 plan that includes 2GB of data, unlimited text and talk for a limited period with no activation costs for existing and new Cricket customers beginning on the 27th of March
4. T-Mobile and Metro – Free Internet For Students
T-Mobile Connect is a new service that provides unlimited text and text services for just $15 per month in addition to 2GB of high-speed data for smartphones.
With a 15-day Unlimited tablet data package (plus the sales tax and installation fee) New and existing Metro customers with any type of voice line also have the option of an 8-inch free tablet (through rebate redemption). This requires a new tablet line).
In the next 60 days, T-Mobile has abolished all limits on smartphone data applicable to ALL customers.
For the next 60-day period, T-Mobile is offering consumers the option of a 20GB hotspot/tethering device.
MetroSmart Hotspot devices will be 50 percent off, and the $35 monthly data plan includes 20GB of data over in the coming 60 days. That’s twice what normal data plans for a month.
In the next 60-day period for the next 60 days, all customers on T-Mobile or Metro via T-Mobile customers with plans on the old network which do not include unlimited high-speed internet will get unlimited data on their smartphones.
Customers who are on T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile smartphone plans can benefit from Hotspot
5. Sprint and Boost Mobile -Free Internet For Students
Sprint will not stop service, and will waive late charges for the next 60-day period if customers are unable to pay their Sprint invoice due to the coronavirus.
Customers who subscribe to metered plans will receive unlimited data for a period of 60 days (at at least twice bill cycles) for no extra cost.
The customers will get the additional 20GB hotspot data on mobile devices each month, for 60 consecutive calendar days (a minimal of two billing cycles) without additional cost from Sprint.
Users with smartphones that support mobile hotspots that do not have a hotspot on their mobile will get 20GB of data per month, at no extra cost for sixty day (a at a minimum, two billing cycles).
Other Options for Free/Low-Cost Internet Access
6. PHLConnectED – Free Internet For Students
From summer 2022 to the present, PHLConnectED is the City of Philadelphia’s attempt to connect families with low incomes to the internet to enable digital learning.
They provide PHLConnectED to families that have the following requirements:
Students who participate in remote learning from areas without internet connectivity; don’t have an internet connection at their home, and are only connected to the internet via mobile phone, are homeless or experiencing housing security issues; or have students who are enrolled in remote learning from places that do not have internet access.
Families that have internet access may also be eligible if:
- participate in programs for public benefit that have income requirements, for example, Medicaid
- Are your children classed as English learners, or are students who receive special education assistance
Additional Options:
The library branches will be closed, Wi-Fi will be available in the Free Library of Philadelphia locations. For access to the Wi-Fi of the location you’ll require a valid library card number and a PIN.
Check out the Free Library website for further details and instructions regarding how you can access free Wi-Fi in any public library branch.
Charter Spectrum has a Wi-Fi hotspot map of coverage that you can search using address.
It is the National Free Wi-Fi map, that you can search using address, shows free Wi-Fi hotspots available at various establishments and restaurants. The majority of locations are located in Philadelphia’s northwest and northeast areas.
The Federal Lifeline Program is one of the four Federal Universal Service programmes that aid low-income families pay for telephone as well as Internet service. People who qualify receive as much as $9.25 on their month-long payments.
Conclusion
It is believed that education access is the access to opportunities, hence the need for internet connectivity.
Students with access to the internet have the ability to broaden their knowledge and become more skilled. The first thing to consider is accessibility to internet and Internet access that is free and access to internet for free and more students are able to expand their knowledge.
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