ITS Update: Accessing internet from home

Posted: 19:45:09, Thursday, Mar 19, 2020   Expiration: 19:45:09, Saturday, May 23, 2020  

The internet will play a vital role for the University community during the alternative delivery/work from home period. Lack of adequate access is frustrating and a very real concern. Sadly, local internet access is out of ITS jurisdiction. The bright side is that many service providers – internet and cell – are offering deals to make sure students are connected during the pandemic. •

  • Check with your local internet provider for free or discounted service or payment plans; if you don’t see it on their website, call and ask!
  • Check with your cell provider – you may be able to use a hotspot on your smartphone to get or boost your internet access; charges may apply so get the details first!
A list of known companies offering deals plus other related resources are included at the end of this message.

Please note: As much as ITS wants to help our customers, home internet connections are outside our purview. Please contact your service provider directly if you cannot log into your home network, you've forgotten your home password, or you have any trouble with your connection to that network.

And remember: The connection itself may be vastly different from the high-speed, reliable connection you experience on campus. There may be times when your home network is overloaded, or the connection comes and goes. This is the nature of the beast.

Support

Once you reach campus resources, like VPN and the virtual desktops, ITS is ready to serve you if problems arise. For DIY instruction, check out the Guide to Using Campus Resources Remotely in this Knowledge Base.

If you have trouble logging into a campus system or finding the right resource, contact the Help Desk at 608.342.1400 or helpdesk@uwplatt.edu during regular business hours:

Hours of operation during spring break through Sunday, Mar. 29 are:
  • Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday – closed

Connectivity Resources

The following companies are offering free or reduced-rate services, waiving fees and late charges, or lifting data caps on plans. Contact them directly for details.
  • AT&T
  • CenturyLink
  • Consolidate Communications
  • Comcast
  • Cox
  • Charter (Spectrum)
  • Earthlink
  • Frontier Communications
  • Mediacom
  • Sparklight (formerly Cable One)
  • Sprint
  • Starry
  • TDS
  • T-Mobile
  • Verizon
  • Windstream (Kinetic)
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has others listed here:

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363033A1.pdf

The FCC is also helping people deal with the CoronaVirus with regards to connectivity:

https://www.fcc.gov/coronavirus








-- UW Platteville: Deb Meyer

Created: 20:00:51, Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 (by Deb M.)
Updated: 20:00:51, Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 (by Deb M.)