Learning Online

We recommend a minimum bandwidth of 600 kbps for both upload and download speed. Most providers, even satellite, should offer basic packages that exceed this amount. If users are unable to obtain these speeds, they should not worry. Most applications and products will work just fine at slower speeds. This recommendation is a speed that will provide an optimal experience across all applications.

If your household does not have internet, some providers may offer special access deals, including free access for a limited time:

• Spectrum: Free Internet for 60 days
• Comcast Announces Comprehensive COVID-19 Response to Help Keep Americans Connected to the Internet

Also, many wireless providers are providing assistance as well:

• Sprint and T-Mobile are making all data plan unlimited for next 60 days in increasing mobile hotspot tethering
• Verizon has automatically added a 15 Gigabytes per month tethering allowance for all customers
• AT&T will waive any data overage charges as long as the customer contacts them and requests
• There may be additional providers and capabilities available. Users should continue to closely follow their individual providers

Public Wi-Fi Hotspots:

All service providers (AT&T, Spectrum, Comcast, and others) has opened their public WiFi hotspot networks for anyone to use at no charge for at least the next 60 days.

This does require you to be in physical proximity to connect to the hotspot. There are many of these installed throughout the country so finding one to use is as simple as checking their maps. Spectrum is one of the larger providers in the San Antonio Area and can be found here.

Please contact your internet and/or cell provider to learn of more about assistance that they may be providing.

Many of us are stressing our home networks like never before. If you find yourself having connectivity challenges, consider some of the following tips:

1. If connected via WiFi carefully review the placement of your wireless router and laptop
   1. The farther away you are the more chance for signal disruption and interference
   2. Ensure your wireless router is in the open and not in a cabinet to allow for best signal propagation
2. If possible select the 5Ghz WiFi network instead of the 2.4Ghz WiFi network
   1. 5Ghz is more capable and has less interference. Nearly all modern routers provide this capability
   2. Please refer to the manual or service provider information for details on specifics
3. If enabled consider shutting off extra WiFi networks such as "guest" or "open"
   1. Sometimes these networks are added or turned on by default
4. Depending on the age of your wireless router, consider upgrading your hardware
   1. You should look for "802.11ac" capable wireless routers. This is the latest signaling technology
   2. New routers are more powerful, have better range, and offer other benefits
5. If the placement of your router and computer allows consider a wired connection
   1. Wired connections are not susceptible to signal loss or interference resulting in the best connection
6. Check for competing for internet consumption
   1. Streaming video services such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and others can consume large amounts of bandwidth
   2. Online gaming and gaming consoles should be considered. They may be consuming bandwidth if on but not used.
7. Consider ad-blocker extensions for your internet browser
   1. Web-based Ads, pop up videos, and other nuisances can unnecessarily consume bandwidth
   2. Each browser can add these extensions at no cost

For personal devices, we recommend using Microsoft Windows 10 or macOS version 10.13 “High Sierra” or later with patches applied and antivirus software installed

If you participate in video teleconferencing activities, a web camera can help personalize the experience.

A headset for a computer and your smartphone may improve your experience if you spend a long duration on either.