To realize full digital equity students must have regular access to a strong broadband connection at home and devices best suited for the tasks that are being asked of them.

How can we collaborate with internet service providers?

Internet service providers are often willing to work with schools and districts to ensure that students are able to access distance learning. You may work through a Minnesota Educational Technology Network (METN) representative (map) who can support you, or you may contact service providers directly and ask the following questions:

• What service options are available?
• Are data caps in place? Can they be increased or eliminated?
• How might the school or district pay the internet costs for specific families?
• How might we work together to provide technical support for families experiencing connectivity problems?

Utilize data from your learning management system, teachers, and library service information to identify underserved students and families. Work with the family and the internet service providers serving their addresses to ensure adequate access. The Office of Broadband Development at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) maps broadband availability in Minnesota. Using their interactive map, you can enter an address to find out which companies report having service available at that location. The map also provides links to those companies’ websites so you can check to see if a discounted service offering is available.

• Resources to help locate discounted internet service:
  • Digital Inclusion resources from the Office of Broadband Development include information on internet service providers offering reduced rates for internet service.
  • The Office of Broadband Development is gathering links and contact information for companies with service options related to COVID-19 response. This list is updated as the office receives new information.
  • Digital Bridge K-12 from Education SuperHighway offers a location-based guide to internet providers for students without internet access at home. 
  • EveryoneOn provides location-specific information on low-cost internet service.
  • The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has a list of free and low-cost internet plans.
• Minnesota companies offering discounted internet service:
  • Internet Essentials from Comcast is a low-cost internet service. Families may be eligible for the program if they are also eligible for other public assistance programs (National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others).
  • Lifeline Support is a federal program that offers discounts on internet services through participating internet service providers.
  • PCs for People offers low-cost internet for people who meet their low-income eligibility criteria.
  • Comcast Lift Zones are designed to provide a space for students to connect to internet for virtual education. More than 20 community centers in the Twin Cities will be Lift Zones for the next three years.

How can families get access to devices?

Low-cost devices are available to those who qualify from organizations listed below. Some internet providers partner with customers who are already receiving low-cost internet services to provide them low-cost devices as well.

• EveryoneOn provides location-specific information on low-cost devices.
• Internet Essentials from Comcast offers laptop and desktop computers at discounted prices for individuals and families that are already Internet Essentials customers.
• PCs for People offers low-cost devices (prices ranging from $0-150) for eligible recipients.
• Local public libraries also provide access to computer labs. This map shows public library locations in Minnesota regions.
• Education Superhighway provides more information and resources around connectivity and navigation.