Access to Free Internet

We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure all students can access the internet for virtual learning. We will continue to collaborate with local government and area organizations and businesses for as long as it takes to make sure no student is without internet. 

MMSD Mobile Hotspots

For families that are still in need of internet access, MMSD has hotspots for student usage during this time of virtual learning. Please reach out to your school LMTS/Librarian, and they will ensure that your family receives a hotspot for educational usage.

MMSD's Wireless Access Points

MMSD's Wireless Access Points (WAPs) have been installed at Leopold, Mendota, Toki/Orchard Ridge, Lincoln and Anana. These WAPs will allow staff and students to access MMSD wireless internet from outside the building using their MMSD-issued device. These WAPs will not allow access to the internet using a non-MMSD device. The range of these WAPs is up to 500 feet from the buildings. Wireless internet will be available from 8 am-5 pm seven days a week. 

Why these sites? 

We targeted schools and neighborhoods with the greatest concentration of students without internet access.  Many of these students will be within close walking distance of these sites.

Safe Social Distancing Guidelines:

If possible, we recommend accessing the internet from a vehicle. 

If students walk to the site to access the internet, we recommend the following:

• Maintain social distance and sit at least 6 feet from others

• Visit the site for only the time necessary to complete your school work

• Students should be accompanied by an adult

Usage Guidelines:

Students should use schools as a resource for educational purposes only. This means that students should plan to use the school’s WiFi for the following reasons:

• To meet with teachers at the scheduled time for either direct instruction or one-on-one meetings. 

• To download resources that have been provided to the student from teachers. Please know that you will be able to download and use any Google for Education Offline and it will sync when you connect to WiFi.

• Submit and download assignments.

Comcast

Comcast announced increased access and speeds to their Internet Essentials Program ($10 / month broadband); new families get 60 days free. 

Others

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction also shared the information on their website. 

• Verizon will waive late fees and keep residential and small business customers connected if negatively impacted by global crisis. 

• Sprint announced effective March 19th most Sprint customers with data plans will have unlimited smartphone data through mid-May, along with an additional 20 GB of hotspot/tethering service. 

• US Cellular announced that they will 1.) not terminate services 2.) wave late fees, and 3.) open their hot-spots to customers who need them.

• T-Mobile / Sprint: ALL current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans will have unlimited smartphone data for 60 days, Lifeline customers will receive extra free data up to 5 GB over the next 2 months and current customers will receive a mobile hot spot / tethering service for the next 60 days.