Internet at Home
The Hampton Township School District realizes that not every family has access to the Internet at home, though some may wish to. Below are a curated collection of resources for families in our area to obtain broadband Internet at their home at low or no cost (Note: Many providers are temporarily offering free or expanded Internet services due to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the FCC's Keep Americans Connected Pledge):
Many smart phones can be turned into a "hotspot" for use by other devices. Depending on your provider and plan, this may be either free or a small additional charge to your service. If you are unsure about your plan, contact your provider for details.
If you know that your plan provides for hotspot use, this article by PCMagazine, How To Turn Your Phone Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot should help.
Comcast announced that it will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program, and making the program free to new low-income customers for two months, amid the coronavirus outbreak.
In a letter, Comcast President of Consumer Services Dana Strong said that the change is for the millions of low-income Americans who don't have internet service during this uncertain time.
To sign up, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Armstrong
Armstrong cable offers discounted phone and Internet service to qualifying individuals through the Lifeline program.
Verizon offers Verizon Lifeline plans for home phone service or broadband (internet) service. The broadband discount is limited to Fios internet service at a speed of 18 megabits per second or above.
If you qualify for the Lifeline discount service, you are eligible to receive a reduced rate on your Verizon monthly bill. To sign up for this service, please read the attached PDF (English | Spanish) or visit their website at www.verizon.com/support/residential/account/manage-account/lifeline-discount.
Consolidated Communications
Check this page for the latest updates and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, see their student support program information.
USAC (a funding branch of the FCC) offers a program called Lifeline which provides discounts to qualified families on their home Internet service. To find out more about this program, visit www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/lifeline-support-affordable-communications.
Additionally individuals may be eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
Shaler North Hills Community Library