Low-Cost Home Internet Options
Jeffco Public Schools knows that the “digital divide” between low-income and more affluent families is a real and significant issue that needs to be addressed as the district grows the TechForEd program.
Chromebooks being used in TechForEd have an offline option with which students will be able to work on Google Docs, Sheets or Slides without an internet connection. Learn more about how to work in offline mode.
Announced in May 2022, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered through the federal government provides eligible households with high-speed internet through 20 leading internet providers for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. There are several ways to qualify for the ACP: through participation in other government programs or based on annual household income. Learn more about ACP.
Internet Providers
Free Internet
Many businesses (coffee shops, for example) offer free Wi-Fi that can be used. Use this map to find free Wi-Fi options near you.
Jefferson County Public Libraries offer both free Wi-Fi at their locations and an opportunity to check out wireless hotspots. Please note that there are often waiting lists for the available hotspots.
Mobile Internet
Many cell phone service providers offer the option to have your phone act as a "hotspot" for internet access. Contact your cell phone service provider for more information about availability and cost.
Here are the instructions for using a hotspot:
Jeffco Hotspot Loaner
Jeffco IT and Jeffco Schools Foundation may be able to help families who have attempted to get internet for educational purposes using the suggested options but are still not able to do so.
There are situations where Comcast is not an option, such as when families are unhoused or live where Comcast does not provide service. For these situations, the district has a limited number of hotspots available for checkout.
The data on these hotspots is minimal but can assist when needing internet access for basic remote learning tasks. Families in need of a Jeffco hotspot loaner can work with their school’s digital teacher librarian (DTL) or technology support person.
Contact Us
Contact the Family Response Service Team (FRST) to have a technology ticket submitted on your behalf.