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Internet Access Resources

Question

What options do I have if I don't have internet at home?

Solution

If you don't have internet at home, there are several options to consider, including some temporary offers due to COVID-19 or other extenuating circumstances:

Solution Description More Information
Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot (MiFi) device loan — Eugene Public Library Eugene Public Library cardholders can now borrow mobile wireless hotspots. Each hotspot can be used by up to 10 people at a time to access free high-speed internet with unlimited data. Cardholders can borrow a hotspot at any Eugene Public Library location or place a hold request for pick-up later by visiting bit.ly/EugLibraryHotspot. The library has 250 to lend to individuals. View the City of Eugene's announcement of this new service (9/15/21) or contact Eugene Public Library at eugene-or.gov/library or 541-682-5450.
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Additional information, including eligibility requirements, is available on the FCC website, or by phone at 833-511-0311 (9am-9pm every day).

 Eligible households can enroll by visiting getemergencybroadband.org or through an approved provider. 
Mobile phone as a hotspot Some mobile carriers, such as AT&T*, are suspending Internet data caps and/or raising data limits to allow customers to use their mobile phones as high-speed data hotspots.

*Note: UO is aware of this service, but UO cannot recommend or endorse any specific service.

 Contact your mobile carrier for options.
eduroam If a campus near your home is an eduroam-participating institution, you can use your UO credentials to connect to that network. How to connect to the eduroam network
Access from AT&T AT&T* is offering Internet access for qualifying limited-income households.

*Note: UO is aware of this service, but UO cannot recommend or endorse any specific service.

 Visit the Access from AT&T website
Oregon Lifeline Oregon Lifeline is a federal and state government program that reduces the monthly cost of phone or broadband services for qualifying low-income Oregon households.
 		 Visit Oregon Lifeline
EveryoneOn EveryoneOn* is a service that helps find affordable Internet service and computers in your area. They have information on the assistance that many broadband and telephone service providers have pledged to prevent residents from losing Internet and phone service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Note: UO is aware of this service, but UO cannot recommend or endorse any specific service.

 Visit EveryoneOn
Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot (MiFi) device rental — UO UO faculty and staff can rent mobile wireless hotspots for $5/day (two-day minimum) for access within the continental United States. Each MiFi device provides connectivity for up to 15 devices. This service requires the user to supply a departmental index for payment.

The temporary program offering free checkout of MiFi units to UO students and employees has been discontinued as of 9/24/21.

 Visit Mobile Wireless Device (MiFi) Request.
Others Many other broadband and telephone service providers have pledged to prevent residents and small businesses from losing Internet and phone service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans
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Details

Article ID: 101263
Created
Fri 3/13/20 3:23 PM
Modified
Thu 2/2/23 9:30 AM