Guidance for Off-Campus Internet Service

Intro

The ability to work remotely and/or participate in remote academic activity typically requires access to the Internet and, in some cases, faster access than what is readily available. For many individuals, this level of service requires a monthly fee that you would prefer to avoid. The COVID-19 pandemic has quickly brought this issue to light for many of our students, faculty, and staff.

Thanks to the support of the FCC and many Internet service providers (ISPs), the issue can usually be addressed at no additional cost to our community members. The following is a list of potential solutions that may help you be more connected from home and thereby helping UNC to achieve our social-distancing goal.

Information

Option 1: Improve Your Current Internet Service

You may already have Internet service at home through your cable TV provider (cable modem), telephone (DSL), satellite, etc.. Many of the major providers (e.g. Spectrum, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, and others) have offered to eliminate charges for “going over your limit” and eliminate bandwidth throttling. If you already have access to the Internet from home, but it is too slow or limited, we recommend you call your service provider to see if the provider can assist. Many already have a plan to help you, especially providers that participate in academic activities. You should self-identify as a member of a UNC community.

Option 2: Obtain New Home Internet Service

Some individuals have no internet service at their homes, but they do have the appropriate wiring necessary for Internet access. Charter, Comcast, and Spectrum have advertised free Internet for 60 days for students. If your residence has access to one of these or any internet service provider, we recommend you contact them to see if they have a low or no-cost option during this pandemic. You should self-identify as a member of a UNC community.

Option 3: Explore Cellular Options; No Internet Service Providers at Home

In many rural areas, there is simply no infrastructure for Internet access. If there is adequate cellular service in the area, then you may be able to work with your cellular provider to either use your cell phone as a “wireless hotspot” or consider adding a mobile hotspot to your cellular account. These solutions provide a Wi-Fi network that you can use with your laptop or other devices.

Option 4: Free Wi-Fi

If solving this problem at your residence isn’t technically possible, then you may want to visit a nearby location that has free Wi-Fi. For example, many public libraries and coffee shops continue to offer Wi-Fi even if the establishments are closed. As always, make smart decisions about your safety if you try and access their Wi-Fi while outside or in their parking lot. If you can temporarily access the Internet, simply search for “Free Wi-Fi near me” to find locations that may be able to assist. Note: For security purposes, you should use the UNC VPN service.

Provider Information

Each services provider has specific guidance for obtaining new or upgraded internet. Please contact your service provider for info. North Carolina providers include:

• Comcast COVID-19 response: offers free Wi-Fi for two months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time. 
• Charter Free Internet:  offers two months free Internet;  requires calling in to Charter's number and setting up a new account.  
• AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families. 
• Verizon COVID-19 response:  follows FCC agreement 
• Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge. 
• T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for sixty days at no extra charge. 

Please note: The University does not endorse these companies or their services. Individuals should investigate all terms associated with service to decide if it is right for them. 

Additional Support

This pandemic has impacted our entire community in different ways. Our goal at UNC-Chapel Hill is to keep our Carolina family safe and to eliminate as much technology-induced anxiety and stress as possible. If you need technical guidance with off-campus networking, please call (919) 962-HELP. If you’re a student, we are actively developing support structures to ensure you have appropriate internet access, among other academic and personal needs. If you are experiencing a challenge specific to internet access (financial or otherwise), please email the COVID-19 Student Care Hub.