Spectrum offers free internet access deal

Spectrum offers free broadband and wi-fi access to non-subscription households with K-12 and/or college students.

Charter Communications will offer free Spectrum broadband and wi-fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t currently have a Spectrum high-speed internet subscription starting Monday, the cable and internet provider announced in a recent press release.

The announcement comes as schools across the area close over concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus. Schools in Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties will be closed for the next two weeks, while schools in Sullivan County announced a three-week closure.

The free connection is available at any level up to 100 Mbps (megabits per second). To enroll, call (844) 488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

The company said it will partner with school districts across its network that spans parts of 41 states to ensure local communities are aware of this service. Spectrum will continue to deliver its Spectrum Internet Assist program offering speeds up to 30 Mbps to eligible low-income houses.

Spectrum’s wi-fi hotspots will also be opened for public use, the company said.

The company said it does not have data caps or hidden fees.

“In the coming weeks, many Americans will be affected either directly or indirectly by COVID-19 and Charter is focused on serving and supporting our 29 million customers,” the company said in a press release. “Americans rely on high-speed broadband in nearly every aspect of their lives and Charter is committed to ensuring our customers maintain reliable access to the online resources and information they want and need.”

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