WE UNDERSTAND
Virginia Beach City Public Schools understand that these are unique times. The coronavirus (COVID-19) has touched every aspect of life in Virginia Beach. Our students and their families are experiencing this situation in many different ways. Throughout this pandemic, VB Schools aspires to continue instruction for our students. But in today's high-tech learning environments, we understand that internet access can become difficult to afford as families are impacted by the economic affects of the pandemic. To help our community, VB Schools would like to tell you about several options for internet access:
COVID-19
INTERNET ACCESS OPTIONS
FREE DATA PLANS FOR SMARTPHONES
All major cell phone carriers have dramatically increased their data allowance for hotspot capable smartphones. If you have a hotspot capable smartphone, you may already have internet access available to you right now. Please check with your phone carrier for details on data limits.
COX CONNECT2COMPETE
COX provides cable and internet service to most of Virginia Beach. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox has enhanced their Connect2Compete internet access program to include two free months of internet access without any long term contract. Please see the details of the program below:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Cox Connect2Compete (C2C) program, families must:
- Have a child in grades K-12 living in the household
- Participate in free or reduced school lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (or other
government assistance program, including SNAP, TANF or Public Housing) - Not be a current Cox Internet customer
PROGRAM DETAILS AND CHARGES
- Limited time, two months of free service, $9.95/month thereafter
- No obligation or long term contract, may cancel at any time
- Limited-time, free premium remote helpdesk support to provide peace of mind and ease for technology
needs until May 15, 2020. - In-home Wifi equipment and standard installation with no additional fees
FAST TRACK ORDERING PROCESS
- Complete the online application at www.cox.com/c2c
- Families may be required to upload proof of eligibility
If you have any questions regarding this program, feel free to contact Cox
(800) 234-3993
Mon-Fri - 8am-6pm
Sat - 9am-6pm
T-MOBILE HOTSPOTS
VB Schools has invested in several T-Mobile hotspots for VB families in need. These hotspots are limited to one per household and should provide adequate internet connectivity depending on cell signal at your location.
Due to a short supply of hotspots, please make every effort to get internet access using the other options provided.
Due to a short supply of hotspots, please make every effort to get internet access using the other options provided.
To get an idea of what coverage may be like at your house, check out T-Mobile's wireless coverage map.
VB Schools will be vetting all applications for hotspots. After your application has been submitted and approved, you will be contacted to make an appointment to pick up the hotspot.
WIFI IN SCHOOL PARKING LOTS
VBCPS has extend Wi-Fi capability for school-issued devices into some school parking lots.
While making use of Wi-Fi in school parking lots, students and families should be aware of the following guidelines:
Under no circumstances should students congregate in school parking lots. Students and families should continue to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines.
Individuals should not remain in school parking lots after dark.
If you are connecting to the Wi-Fi network while parked, please be sure to park in appropriate designated parking areas. Do not park in fire lanes.
Please be aware that all school facilities are monitored via security cameras. Security footage will be used to prosecute any unlawful activities.
If students are unable to connect to the Wi-Fi network using school-issued devices, please contact the Department of Technology Customer Support Center at (757) 263-1111.
FREE DATA PLANS FOR SMARTPHONES
All major cell phone carriers have dramatically increased their data allowance for hotspot capable smartphones. If you have a hotspot capable smartphone, you may already have internet access available to you right now. Please check with your phone carrier for details on data limits.
COX CONNECT2COMPETE
COX provides cable and internet service to most of Virginia Beach. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox has enhanced their Connect2Compete internet access program to include two free months of internet access without any long term contract. Please see the details of the program below:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Cox Connect2Compete (C2C) program, families must:
- Have a child in grades K-12 living in the household
- Participate in free or reduced school lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (or other
government assistance program, including SNAP, TANF or Public Housing) - Not be a current Cox Internet customer
PROGRAM DETAILS AND CHARGES
- Limited time, two months of free service, $9.95/month thereafter
- No obligation or long term contract, may cancel at any time
- Limited-time, free premium remote helpdesk support to provide peace of mind and ease for technology
needs until May 15, 2020. - In-home Wifi equipment and standard installation with no additional fees
FAST TRACK ORDERING PROCESS
- Complete the online application at www.cox.com/c2c
- Families may be required to upload proof of eligibility
If you have any questions regarding this program, feel free to contact Cox
(800) 234-3993
Mon-Fri - 8am-6pm
Sat - 9am-6pm
T-MOBILE HOTSPOTS
VB Schools has invested in several T-Mobile hotspots for VB families in need. These hotspots are limited to one per household and should provide adequate internet connectivity depending on cell signal at your location.
Due to a short supply of hotspots, please make every effort to get internet access using the other options provided.
Due to a short supply of hotspots, please make every effort to get internet access using the other options provided.
To get an idea of what coverage may be like at your house, check out T-Mobile's wireless coverage map.
VB Schools will be vetting all applications for hotspots. After your application has been submitted and approved, you will be contacted to make an appointment to pick up the hotspot.
WIFI IN SCHOOL PARKING LOTS
VBCPS has extend Wi-Fi capability for school-issued devices into some school parking lots.
While making use of Wi-Fi in school parking lots, students and families should be aware of the following guidelines:
Under no circumstances should students congregate in school parking lots. Students and families should continue to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines.
Individuals should not remain in school parking lots after dark.
If you are connecting to the Wi-Fi network while parked, please be sure to park in appropriate designated parking areas. Do not park in fire lanes.
Please be aware that all school facilities are monitored via security cameras. Security footage will be used to prosecute any unlawful activities.
If students are unable to connect to the Wi-Fi network using school-issued devices, please contact the Department of Technology Customer Support Center at (757) 263-1111.