Print & Digital Resources . Low-Cost Internet for Mecklenburg County
CMS is participating in the Sprint 1Million Project, bringing free wireless hotspots to all NWSA students who currently do not have reliable internet at home or anywhere else they work on school work. To get on our waitlist for a hotspot, please complete the Chromebook Reporting Form and then follow the link within the form to complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
Please only complete one form per household as we have a limited number of devices and are unable to accommodate siblings within the same household.
CMS & NWSA do not have hotspots available for all students. Hotspots are available on a first come, first served, and highest need basis (highest need being the most important).
NWSA has no more hotspots on hand and CMS is working to distribute what they have on hand, funded by the CMS Foundation. Last we heard, the need within our district is currently higher than the number of devices.
These devices are for parents and students who absolutely cannot afford internet or who do not have access to internet at all.
Hotspots at NWSA are provided by the Sprint 1Million Connected Grant project. Sprint hotspots are limited in data and do not have full or fast coverage in all areas. Your network and home internet will always work better than the NWSA Sprint hotspots. The devices in this grant are not intended to supplement or provide relief to those with a current internet plan.
If you are paying for internet via your cable service provider or phone carrier, it is the company's responsibility to provide you the best coverage and internet service. If your internet is inconsistent or does not meet your demand, contact your ISP. Remember that some phone plans come with hotspot capabilities on your phone.
If you already pay for internet, here are a couple ways to ensure your connection using a CMS Chromebook is not interrupted and learning continues during "school" hours:
If your phones have an unlimited plan, turn off the WiFi.
Temporarily disconnect other technology connected to your WiFi such as smart TVs, thermostats, Alexa, gaming systems and other smart technologies.
Purchase a WiFi extender for areas of the house that are further away from the home router.
Do not have any unnecessary browser tabs open during video conferences.
No cost public access Wifi and public access computer labs at 20 branches county wide . (704) 416-0101 . CMLibrary.org
$10/month home access for households with at least one SNAP participant . (855) 220-5211 (English) . (855) 220-5225 (Spanish) . ATT.com/access
As low as $10/month home access . Text - CONNECT to 21545 . EveryoneOn.org
$15/month home access for qualifying households . SpectrumInternetAssist.com
The resources provided were taken from a flyer provided by Digital Charlotte and are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement or sponsorship.
"Digital Charlotte understands the important role technology plays in today's world. A reliable connection to the internet is more important than ever in helping students complete homework and succeed in their education. It's also important for families to apply for jobs, communicate, or enjoy leisure time together."