Internet Access in the greater Chattanooga region during the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic
Bridging a digital divide during COVID-19
Thrive Regional Partnership cares about the people in this region, especially our students and families during this unsettling time.
As more public school and library systems shut their doors, we understand the severe disconnection people and families across the region feel without reliable internet access. We are committed to supporting community leaders with relevant information that can help inform decision-making.
Below, you’ll find a WiFi Locator Tool as well as some information regarding regional and national Internet Services Providers (ISPs), and the measures they are taking to keep students plugged into their lessons and employees up to speed with their work.
If you have any questions about this information, contact Rhett Bentley, Director of Communications for Thrive Regional Partnership.
As Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee begin to reopen, we encourage you to adhere to CDC guidelines while accessing public WiFi.
WiFi Locator/Buscador de WiFi
Use the map below to find a WiFi hotspot near you. Click the icons to see more information as available. To add or remove locations on this map, please contact Nyssa Hunt, Research Associate at UTC’s IGTLab, at nyssa-hunt@mocs.utc.edu.
Thrive Regional Partnership and our data partners at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab are here to answer any questions you may have regarding this information.
Internet Service Resources
REGION-WIDE
PCs for People provides affordable computers and low-cost internet to eligible individuals and nonprofits.
EveryoneOn works with a network of organizations across the United States to increase access to low-cost internet service, affordable computers, and digital literacy resources.
AT&T
All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through our Access from AT&T program. Eligibility for Access from AT&T has expanded to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, the company is offering new Access from AT&T customers two months of free service.
CHARTER/SPECTRUM
Where available, Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
COMCAST
Comcast Extends Comprehensive COVID-19 Response Policies To June 30. This includes an extension of the Internet Essentials program offering free internet for 60 days to new customers. Internet Essentials is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. View flyer.
To sign up, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. You can also check out this sign-up guideline.
T-MOBILE
Starting now ALL current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming).
All T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers will receive an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot/tethering service for the next 60 days coming soon.
T-Mobile is working with their Lifeline partners to provide customers extra free data up to 5GB per month over the next two months.
T-Mobile is increasing the data allowance, at no extra charge, to schools and students using our EmpowerED digital learning program to ensure each participant has access to at least 20GB of data per month for the next 60 days.
Find a WiFi hotspot near you with Comcast’s Xfinity Hotspot tool or Charter/Spectrum’s Hotspot map
Hamilton County
Tech Goes Home Chattanooga has compiled a couple of resources, including:
A list of low-cost internet options
A public WiFi locator tool. Note that several of these spaces have closed their gathering spaces. You may be able to connect from the parking lot.
According to our partners at The Enterprise Center, the City of Chattanooga has committed to keeping NoogaNet up and running in all locations.
For Educators
T-Mobile’s Empower offering is currently one of the least expensive options for K-12 partners.
MobileBeacon provides low-cost, out-of-school internet for students who do not have WiFi at home.
Media Releases
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
Please take all necessary safety measures and adhere to CDC guidelines when in public spaces. Follow all quarantine advisories, particularly if you are at-risk or may be ill. Please see the following links for additional resources and protective measures.
The WHO’s COVID-19 situation dashboard