We understand that not all families in the District have access to the internet. This article outlines some options that your family can explore during this extended state-ordered school closure. Please share with any families you know who do not have the internet.
We understand that not all families in the District have access to the internet. Below are some options that your family can explore during this extended state-ordered school closure. Please share with any families you know who do not have the internet.
Option 1: Families Sign up with Spectrum or AT&T for Free Internet
Charter Communications (Spectrum) is offering free internet access for 60-days to households with students from kindergarten to college who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Families can enroll by calling 1-844-488-8395. Click here for more information.
Likewise, AT&T is also offering free internet access for two months for new customers who enroll by April 30, 2020. Click here for more information.
Please make sure you understand all of the details of this offer, and any associated strings attached in the fineprint that may came with it.
Option 2: Families with No Internet but Cell Phones Connect to Hot Spots
All cell phones have a Hot Spot option, which you can enable through your phone's settings app. Once this is done, you can connect your device to your cell phone's data/internet. The four major phone carriers - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint - have all increased their data and Hot Spot connection capabilities for customers during this crisis. Click here for more information.
We'd encourage you to contact your carrier for more information on this option.
Option 3: Visit a Free, Public Hot Spot location in your area
The Ohio Department of Health has posted on their website a page where you can search for all the free, public Hot Spots in your area to connect to the internet. Spectrum offers 29 different locations in the 44077 zip code that offers free, public Hot Spots. This website allows you to type in your home address and see which location is nearest to you.
The District continues to explore as many options as possible for families with no internet connection and we will update this page if we determine other avenues.
Posted Monday, April 6, 2020