INTERNET access for families that have limited or no internet access at home
Hotspots
Hotspots can only be requested for students who receive free/reduced lunch and have no or limited access to internet at home. Please reach out to me, your school STR at michael_kimble@dpsk12.net, so I can put in a request for you if this is an option you’d like to pursue. Hotspots continue to be in short supply and can’t be guaranteed.
If you already have a hotspot you may continue to use it.
Some students live in dead zones or areas not served by WiFi. Multi-student households (more than three) may require an additional hotspot to meet bandwidth requirements.
IMPORTANT: the parent/guardian of the student receiving a hotspot MUST sign a Hotspot Use Agreement BEFORE the device can be checked out.
If hotspot coverage is spotty or limited then you might consider the following options.
Broadband
Students in areas where hotspot coverage is limited may be eligible to get low cost broadband at home.
Family-paid low cost options
There are several low cost options available. Click the included links to find out more.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
Government program that ensures all eligible households receive sponsored broadband support, up to $30 covered (with approval of eligibility):
• Families are eligible for free broadband if they meet at least one of the following qualifiers:
• If households currently receives any other government assistance programs (e.g. SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, etc.)
• If household income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• If anyone in the household currently receives the FCC’s Lifeline benefit
Households can either apply through the FCC’s Lifeline website OR work directly with their current Internet Service Provider to enroll through them.
Internet Essentials (broadband) - $10/month for reliable access. Download and upload speeds will increase from 25/3 to 50/5 on March 1, 2021 (for new and existing customers). First two months are free for any new customers signed up by June 30, 2021 (Spanish/English).
Starry Connect(broadband) - $15/month for reliable, fast access (currently only available to households in apartments or other multi-family units)
EveryoneOn Offer Locator (resource) - helps users search for available low-cost internet solutions for their household, by zip code)
PCsforPeople - Wifi hotspots for $15/month for qualifying families. They also offer refurbished Mac and PC computers at very affordable prices. Check out this page for more information.
School outdoor WiFi:
DPS is extending outdoor wireless access on school campuses to make internet accessible in a wider area, in and near the school's exterior common areas. This will give students another means to safely access the Internet in their neighborhood. Outdoor wireless is expected to be available at all district schools by the start of the 21-22 school year.
Free local access:
The Boys and Girls Club, Denver Public Library (DPL), Starbucks, Apple Stores and other organizations provide free wifi access on or near the site/location. These may not be feasible solutions if additional restrictions are put in place to facilitate social distancing, and they may not be available in inclement weather. DPL is exploring offering tents and heaters at some sites to extend access.
Denver Public Library offers technology on loan. Anyone with a valid permanent DPL card can borrow a Chromebook and/or hotspot for 3 months at a time.
Support and Resources
To be nominated for a Hotspot or eligible broadband, please reach out to Mr. Kimble at: michael_kimble@dpsk12.net
Please include your students name and student ID and whether there are other DPS students that will be sharing the connection.
The District's Technology Service Desk can also provide support (English/Spanish): call 720-423-3163, press * for tech support.
DPS Wifi NETWORK AND ACCEPTIBLE USE POLICY
DPS provides a guest network for users of nonDPS owned devices to access the Internet that complies with mandates of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This policy outlines the requirements for devices not owned by DPS using the DPS network may only connect the DPS guest network.
This policy for Acceptable Use of nonDPS owned devices on the DPS guest network is to is to prevent unauthorized use, access and other unlawful activities by users online and offline, prevent unauthorized disclosure of or access to District information, and to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”) including without limitation, all applicable state and federal laws concerning electronic communications, privacy, copyrights, personally identifiable, confidential, and legally protected information.
This policy applies to all users of the DPS internet with nonDPS owned computers or devices.
A computer or other device that is not owned by DPS (“nonDPS Owned”) may only be connected to the DPS guest network. NonDPS Owned devices may not be connected to DPS’ other networks including wired, staff or student wireless networks.
All users of DPS networks and internet must comply with DPS School Board policies and regulations.
DPS does not support nonDPS owned devices nor the installation of any District-supported software or applications on nonDPS owned devices.
Use of DPS networks constitutes consent to monitoring. During monitoring, any available information may be examined, recorded, and copied to protect against unauthorized use and preserve the stability of the system. Evidence of any unauthorized use collected in monitoring may be used for administrative, criminal, or other adverse action.
Users of nonDPS Owned devices who require access to data and systems internal to the DPS Network must comply with the DPS Remote Access policy.
The DoTS InfoSecurity Team will verify compliance to this policy through various methods, including but not limited to, network monitoring, business tool reports, internal and external audits, and inspection, and will provide feedback to the policy owner and appropriate Principal or Executive Director.
An Authorized User found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of access or employment.