What if I tell you you can get a Free Hotspot for Students without hurdles? Yes, that’s true. This article provides all the information about getting free internet access for students, eligibility criteria, available programs, and the application procedure
Internet access is an opportunity to give students wings for their careers and future. It allows students to research many topics, communicate with teachers, and complete assignments.
Moreover, teaching methods have changed with the pandemic, and online classes have become essential for imparting education.
However, it may be challenging for some to access the Internet at home in this economic world.
Understanding the necessity of Internet access, the government and non-profit organizations support free Hotspots for Students programs for families that can’t afford the facility.
So, without further ado, let’s get started
What is Free Hotspot for Students?
Students may need a reliable internet source to keep up with their classmates. The free hotspot for Students program is a program that offers free internet access through a hotspot device to students.
These hotspot devices are offered by the government and non-profit organizations that have taken the initiative to ensure students have access to quality education.
These programs are essential for Low-income families with school or college-going kids at their homes and need internet facilities at home.
Here are some programs that offer free hotspots for students:
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity program ensures that everyone has access to a broadband connection. It offers high-speed internet facilities to students at a low cost. Students who qualify for the ACP can receive a discount of up to $30 per month on their internet service.
In addition, students will also get a $100 ACP discount towards purchasing internet-connecting devices such as tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.
PCs for People
It is a non-profit organization in Missouri, United States. The organization provides low-cost computers with free internet services through hotspot devices to college students.
They also offer employment and educational opportunities to students from low-income families. To apply, visit “https://www.pcsforpeople.org/”
Device for Students
During COVID-19, people understood the importance of the Internet. Device for Students is a program launched by a non-profit organization in 2014. It offers students access to computers and the Internet.
If you need a hotspot device, you can visit “https://www.devicesforstudents.org/need-devices”
5 Best Providers that Offer Free Hotspots for Students
Here is a list of the five best providers that support free hotspots for students:
1. T-Mobile Project 10 Million
T-Mobile introduced a program known as Project 10 Million. It is a program that offers free internet access and mobile hotspots to students for five years. It provides hotspots to 10 million eligible households. The eligible households receive 100GB of data per year.
To apply for Project 10 Million, visit “https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/project-10-million”
2. EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is a non-profit organization that provides affordable internet access and low-cost computers. This organization helps people by offering low-cost internet services and computer technology. They also offer various digital skills training programs for students.
3. Verizon
Verizon is an American network operator that provides free hotspots for students. It offers 30GB of data per month to eligible students. It also provides training programs to ensure teachers are up-to-date with new technology.
4. AT&T
AT&T is a multinational telecommunication company offering students free Internet. It provides discounted or free hotspots for National School Lunch Program (NSLP) students. The program includes free installation, free Wi-Fi, and unlimited data.
5. Sprint
Sprint Corporation has a program for students known as Sprint 1 Million. It aims to distribute 1 Million devices such as smartphones, tablets, and mobile hotspots with monthly data plans to students without internet access. It includes 10GB of high-speed data, and speed will be reduced to 2G for unlimited data.
How to Get Free Hotspots for Students?
If you are a college or university student looking for a free hotspot, here are tips that might help to get internet access:
Ask your school or university.
Educational Institutions offer free hotspots or internet access to students. You can inquire whether your school’s IT department or administration faculty offers free hotspots to students.
Public Library
Public Libraries are one of the best places to get free Hotspot for Students. Libraries grant access to the Internet to all visitors, including students and the general public. You can visit your local library and inquire whether they offer free hotspots for students.
Mobile Network Providers
Some mobile network providers, like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and others, offer special programs or initiatives that offer Internet services at cost-efficient rates.
You can visit your mobile network service provider’s official website or call customer support to see whether they offer such programs and if they have the criteria to qualify for the program.
Non-Profit Organizations
There are non-profit organizations or community centers that provide free hotspots to students. You can look for local communities associated with education or community development and inquire whether they support programs that give students free Internet access.
Government Assistance Programs
Government-assisted programs, like Lifeline and ACP, offer free Internet access to students and families, which qualify the criteria for the program.
It offers free internet services to students who belong to a family with an annual household income below the Federal poverty guidelines.
You have to provide certain documents to prove that you qualify for the program, and you can get access to the Internet at low rates.
These government programs also provide free iPhones for students. To get information, read our guide on Free iPhones for Students.
How to Apply for Free Hotspot for Students? – TMobile
T-Mobile is associated with the Lifeline ACP program; however, it supports a program known as Project 10 Million.
It aims at providing free internet access to 10 million students. One student can receive free 100GB of data annually for five years.
Here is the step-by-step process to apply for Project 10 Million:
- First, make sure you are eligible for Project 10 Million. Eligibility is based on participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or other programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, etc.
- If you are eligible, open your browser and visit “https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/project-10-million”
- Scroll down until you find the “I’m a School Administrator” and “I’m a Parent/ Guardian” buttons.
- If you click “School Administrator,” an application form will pop up, and for “Parent/ Guardian,” you will be redirected to another page.
- In both cases, you have to complete an application form and provide the asked information
- Once your application is submitted, you have to wait for the approval.
- Once approved, a T-Mobile representative will contact you via mail or by call.
Eligibility Requirements for Free Hotspots for Students
Here are the eligibility requirements to qualify for enrolling in a free Hotspot for Students program:
Participant in National School Lunch Program
NSLP is a program that provides free lunches to students. This program provides lunches to public schools, non-profit private schools, and childcare institutions.
If you are applying for T-Mobile Project 10 Million, participation in the National School Lunch Program makes you directly eligible for the benefits.
Low-income families
Government and non-profit organization especially supports students from low-income families. For example, the ACP program requires a family income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the Lifeline program requires your family annual income below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
Government Program Participation
Students enlisted in government assistance programs are eligible for Free Hotspot for Students. These programs are:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Head Start. (Family income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level)
NOTE– Foster, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth can also enroll in the program.
Required Documents for The Free Hotspot for Students
Verification is essential to get a free hotspot for students. Students must upload digital copies of the required documents while applying for free hotspots for students. The necessary documents to submit for this program are:
- Proof of identification for full name, residential address, and email
- Your District Name, School Name, and School ID
- School enrollment number
- Proof of income
- Proof of participation in the National School Lunch Program
- Proof of participation in other government assistance programs ( SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
Students must upload clear copies of these documents. Blurry or low-quality photos of documents or ID cards are not accepted.
Benefits of Getting Free Hotspot for Students
With free hotspots in hand, students can enjoy the following benefits.
- Online Classes: After COVID-19, many colleges and schools have shifted their classes. Students can easily join these online classes with free hotspots and stay updated.
- Access to knowledge: With a free hotspot, students can search for any information they are looking for and learn new things every day.
- Career Opportunities: Students can search for many career opportunities and even choose and read about the fields they are interested in.
- Assignment: Students can get help from the internet to complete their college or school assignments.
FAQs
Can college students get free Wi-Fi?
Yes, college students can get free or low-cost internet connections. Students can apply for the Lifeline or ACP program, a government-assisted program, to help families get Internet access at a low cost.
Moreover, mobile service providers, like AT&T and T-Mobile, support programs to offer free hotspots to students.
How can I apply for a Free Hotspot For Students program?
You can look for programs offering free hotspots or Internet service and apply online or contact their customer support if you qualify. T-Mobile offers free hotspots for students, and you can apply through their official website.
You can apply as a student or guardian to access the Internet cheaply.
Does Project 10 Million provide unlimited data?
This program provides eligible students with 100GB of unlimited data annually for five years.
Are Free Hotspot For Students programs safe?
Yes, these programs are 100% safe. The organizations make sure that students’ personal information is kept safe.
What are the necessary documents for Project 10 Million?
The necessary documents to apply for Project 10 Million are proof of NSLP, identification proof, and school details.
Conclusion
Free hotspot for students is an excellent initiative by many government and non-profit organizations. The Internet has become an essential requirement, especially for students.
T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million is one of the best student programs available. This project provides 100GB of data to eligible students for over five years.
This program is available in all 50 states of America. Are you a student in need of a free hotspot facility? Apply Now at T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million.
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