Access to Technology and Internet

Technology and Internet Resources (Link to PDF download) Download Technology and Internet Resources (Link to PDF download)

10/1 Workshop on Technology Resources

Low-cost internet

Which internet providers are available in your area? https://www.smartmove.us/ Links to an external site.

Comcast and Wave: In response to the COVID-19 emergency, Comcast and Wave are offering 2 months free service to new customers for the Internet Essentials and Internet First programs. Must apply by Dec 31, 2020. See more: https://www.seattle.gov/tech/services/internet-access/low-cost-home-internet-access-for-residents Links to an external site.
Comcast support for university students: For students living in an Xfinity service area who are not already Xfinity customers, Comcast is extending an Xfinity Internet offering that provides $150 Visa prepaid card to students who sign up for service by September 30; more than enough to pay for two months of Internet service. More information on the announcement here (Links to an external site) Links to an external site..
Charter (Spectrum Internet) offers 2 months free internet and Wi-Fi access to new customers. More information here (Links to an external site). Links to an external site.

Expanded WiFi hotspots

Comcast offers out-of-home WiFi hotspots for free. You will need to create an Xfinity account and download their app (free of charge). Follow instructions at https://xfinity.com/wifi Links to an external site. to find and join a hotspot.

Devices – Loans and Discounts

Refurbished laptops, desktop computers, and tablets, mobile hotspot device through Sprint 4G LTE service (up to 150Mbps, service plan required)
- https://www.pcsforpeople.org/get-technology/ Links to an external site.
- https://connectall.org/ Links to an external site.

STLP: The UW Student Technology Loan Program (STLP) provides students the opportunity to check out laptops, tablets, audiovisual and VR equipment, calculators, and external hard drives for the quarter. Please check the STLP website (Links to an external site). for updates.
- FYP@STLP: Incoming students participating in FYP advising and orientation sessions may check out a Dell XPS 2020 laptop for up to five business days. To reserve a laptop, please email stlp@uw.eduat least seven (7) days in advance of your orientation date.

UW VPN service

Students can download and use theUW VPN service (Husky OnNet) (Links to an external site). to access Canvas course websites, Zoom, Panopto, and UW Libraries. We have heard from UWIT that this is the best way for international users to access UW online tools.

Internet access tips

1. Turn off video. Turn off the high-definition video setting on Zoom.
2. Wifi is less reliable and inconsistent especially for streaming. If at all possible, plug directly into your cable modem with an ethernet cable.
3. Mobile hotspotting is a notoriously bad and inconsistent internet connection when enabled on your smartphone, especially now that so many people are at home relying on it (this is different from dedicated hotspot devices, which is more reliable). Consider getting cable/DSL/fiber options as they are the most reliable option for internet access.
4. Be aware of how many people are using the internet in your household. The more people actively using the same internet connection will experience more problems.
5. Not a good idea for you or anyone else in your household to be streaming great Netflix programs like the Tiger King while simultaneously trying to stream your class Zoom session.
6. Reboot your computer regularly to get better performance. Memory-hungry applications like office programs or multimedia editing software like Adobe programs can eat up your computer’s memory even after closing them.
7. Sometimes rebooting one’s internet router will improve performance. Contact your internet service provider for specific instructions on how best to do this if you are not already familiar with this process.
8. Sometimes people have lower levels of internet service. They may need to call their internet service provider to see if there is an option for faster service. Sometimes increasing speed is a switch they flip on their end that will magically increase speed (most likely for an increased fee). Sometimes they may need to send out new equipment and/or a tech to increase speed. Sometimes faster options aren’t available in your area. You may need to explore other internet providers.
9. Some older computers might not be able to handle the video requirements to adequately process Zoom video streams. You might consider using another computer/laptop or replacing your existing computer/laptop.
10. Regularly test your internet speed by going to https://www.speedtest.net/ Links to an external site.. You want at least 10 Mbps of download speed and 1 Mbps of upload speed for each person in a household. The number of people and devices using your home network is a key factor in determining a reliable internet speed for you.

Utility Discount Programs

Note: Working from home can increase your energy consumption and put a strain on everyday utility usage. In addition to expanded utility discount programs, Seattle and Puget Sound Energy are currently suspending service termination due to non-payment and will work with customers on payment plans and choosing a new bill due date.

Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light: https://www.seattle.gov/humanservices/services-and-programs/supporting-affordability-and-livability/utility-discount-program Links to an external site.
Puget Sound Energy: https://www.pse.com/pages/bill-and-weatherization-assistance Links to an external site.

Note:

Check your provider's website regularly for updates. Many providers have signed on to the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge (Links to an external site) Links to an external site. where providers have pledged to: 1) not terminate service due to non-payment, 2) waive late fees, and 3) open wi-fi hotspots. Offerings like this, in addition to free internet service for new customers, may be temporary and conditional.

Last updated: 9/29/2020