Q: We don’t have a computer/enough
computers/fast enough internet service for
online school. What do we do?
A: This affects millions of people, and there are
no perfect solutions.
It’s possible to use smartphones as hotspots for
computers, but that’s an imperfect solution at
best. Not all plans let you run hotspots off your
phone, and if you can, you probably face data
caps — which makes it impractical for all-day
online school.
Some cable companies are offering low-cost
service for eligible families, although those
programs are typically limited to areas the
companies already serve, often provide only
minimum broadband speeds and frequently
aren’t available to former customers who owe
the cable company money.
Schools may provide internet hotspots or
free internet at home for families without
good service. Get in touch with the district or
talk to a teacher about how to get help from
your schools. They may also be able to send
computers or tablets to kids, although there’s
a shortage of education-style computers at
the moment.
Q: Our service slows way down when several
people do video calls at the same time. Are there
simple ways to fix that?
A: Talk to your internet service provider. It may
be time to update your modem or router, and
some offer Wi-Fi extenders to improve the
network. ISPs can also try repositioning your
existing equipment to improve the range and
strength of Wi-Fi connections.