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About the author
Caroline Lefelhoc
Caroline Lefelhoc is a seasoned writer, copywriter, and editor with over five years of experience creating engaging, informative content. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Akron. Notably, she has served as the copywriting director and lead copy editor for the luxury media conglomerate Haute Media Group. In addition to her leadership roles, Caroline is a freelance writer for businesses of all sizes across various industries, including many internet-based companies.
Her expertise extends to the technology sector, where she has crafted content for tech startups and SaaS businesses. For CompareInternet.com, she provides helpful insight for consumers on internet technology, trends in remote work and learning, digital opportunity, software and Wi-Fi.
Outside work, she enjoys testing new Pinterest recipes and spending time with her family—her husband, their one-year-old daughter, an enthusiastic golden retriever named Beckham, and two cats, Gryffindor and Toast.
Which speed do I need?
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How many users?
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Smart Home Devices
Streaming Video
Browsing & Email
Target speed: 50 Mbps
With multiple users in the house, you need a little wiggle room in your bandwidth. 50 Mbps will support all your web browsing and social media.
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What is T-Mobile Project 10Million? Free Internet for K-12
When the pandemic forced schools to close their doors in 2020, America’s digital divide became fully visible. Suddenly, millions of school children found themselves completely cut off from education. Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel warned that “as many as 17 million" students were unable to access virtual classrooms during the pandemic [1]. Students parked outside McDonald’s restaurants to catch WiFi signals for homework. Others stood in school parking lots after hours, desperately trying to submit assignments.
According to a survey conducted by Pew Research, about one in five teens (17%) are often or sometimes unable to complete homework assignments because they lack reliable access to a computer or internet connection. Additionally, around one in ten teens (12%) often or sometimes use public Wi-Fi to do schoolwork because they lack a home internet connection. For families earning under $30,000 annually, the situation is even worse—35% lack high-speed internet at home, compared to just 6% of households earning $75,000 or more [2].
But here’s the remarkable part: while this crisis exposed the problem, it also sparked one of the most ambitious solutions in corporate America’s history. Enter T-Mobile Project 10Million—a $10.7 billion initiative that’s not just talking about closing the digital divide, but actually doing it [3]. Since 2020, this revolutionary program has connected millions of students with free internet access, proving that large-scale digital equity isn’t just possible—it’s happening right now.
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What Is T-Mobile Project 10Million?
T-Mobile’s Project 10Million is a massive initiative launched in 2020 with one ambitious goal: to give K-12 students a brighter future through education. This isn’t just another corporate feel-good campaign—it’s a comprehensive program designed to tackle the digital divide head-on.
The program provides eligible students with free mobile hotspots and substantial data allowances, transforming how kids access education from home. Since its launch, Project 10Million has connected millions of students with a free hotspot, providing internet access for learning.
What students receive
How Project 10Million Works
Project 10Million doesn’t just provide basic connectivity—it delivers a comprehensive package designed to support student success.
Free Mobile Hotspot: Students receive a T-Mobile hotspot device with free shipping, eliminating upfront costs that often prevent families from accessing connectivity solutions.
Substantial Data Allowance: Students receive 200GB of data per year. This generous allocation provides substantial connectivity for educational activities like streaming instructional videos, participating in virtual learning sessions, conducting online research, and accessing educational resources.
Five-Year Commitment: The program offers free internet access for a full five years, ensuring students have reliable connectivity throughout their K-12 education.
Additional Data Options: Student families can purchase a highly discounted data pass for just $10 if they hit their data limit, providing flexibility when usage spikes during finals or big projects.
Device Access at Cost
Beyond connectivity, Project 10Million recognizes that internet access means little without devices to use it. Once enrolled, families whose children do not receive a free device through their school can purchase affordable devices at T-Mobile’s in-house cost, which will be shipped to them at no additional cost.
Tablet Option:
- TCL Tab 8 LE
Laptop Options:
- Samsung Chromebook 4
These devices connect to the hotspot via WiFi, creating a complete learning ecosystem for students.
Who Can Apply for Project 10Million?
Primary Qualification Path
Students can qualify for Project 10Million through eligibility for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which provides free or reduced-price meals to children from low-income families. If your child already receives free or reduced lunch at school, they’re automatically eligible for Project 10Million.
Additional Qualifying Programs
T-Mobile has expanded eligibility beyond the NSLP to include families participating in various government assistance programs:
- Families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through P-EBT or EBT cards
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participants
- The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Students enrolled in Medicaid qualify for the program
- Head Start participants
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Foster youth, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth
How to Get Started
For Individual Families
Applying for Project 10Million takes approximately five minutes.
Application Steps:
- Apply on T-Mobile’s Project 10Million website here
- Upload proof of eligibility (NSLP letter or other qualifying program documentation)
- Provide student and contact information
- Create a PIN number and select language preference (English or Spanish)
- Submit application
Once approved, families can expect their free hotspot to arrive within approximately 3-5 business days, accompanied by tracking information provided via email.
Technical Specifications and Setup
Device Setup Process
The hotspot comes with a quick start guide that walks you through the setup process. Once the hotspot is turned on and connected, the line is activated on the T-Mobile network. The process is designed to be simple enough for families to handle independently, though support is available if needed.
Customer Support
T-Mobile provides dedicated support for Project 10Million participants. If there are any issues with setup, families can try turning the hotspot off and back on. If that doesn’t help, they can call care at 1-877-PRJ-10MN.
Account Management
Participants can monitor their usage, check messages, and manage their hotspot through an online account. When data runs low, families can easily purchase additional data passes through the same account interface.
Comparing Project 10Million to Other Digital Equity Programs
While various organizations and government agencies offer internet assistance programs, Project 10Million stands out for several reasons:
No Annual Recertification: Unlike many government programs, Project 10Million has no annual fees or recertification requirements for a period of 5 years, thereby reducing the administrative burden on families.
Substantial Data Allowance: The 200GB annual allocation far exceeds what many other programs offer, providing genuine utility for educational activities.
Long-Term Commitment: The five-year duration ensures students have consistent access throughout their K-12 education rather than year-to-year uncertainty.
Device Access: The ability to purchase educational devices at cost provides a complete digital learning solution rather than just connectivity.
New partnerships and initiatives
Future Outlook and Expansion
T-Mobile has demonstrated a sustained commitment to Project 10Million that extends well beyond initial launch enthusiasm. The program’s success has inspired the expansion into new partnerships and the development of enhanced offerings. The collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America represents just one example of how T-Mobile continues to find new ways to reach eligible students who might not learn about the program through traditional school channels [4].
Getting the Most from Project 10Million
Maximizing Your Data Usage
With 200GB annually, families have substantial data to work with, but smart usage can stretch it even further:
Educational Prioritization: Focus data usage on educational activities during school hours and homework time.
Video Settings: Video typically streams at DVD quality (480p), which conserves data while maintaining educational value.
Combining with School Resources
Many schools offer complementary technology programs that work well with Project 10Million:
1:1 Device Programs: Many school districts have a 1:1 program in place that gives students a laptop they can use at home, which pairs with the Project 10Million hotspot.
Library Resources: Students can still use library computers for data-intensive activities while using their Project 10Million hotspot for daily homework and communication.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Application Issues
If your state appears to have reached its allocation, don’t give up immediately. Check with your school’s principal or counselor, as your school may already be working to connect you through Project 10Million for Schools.
Coverage Concerns
T-Mobile promises to make reliable connectivity truly accessible to students, including those in both urban centers and underserved areas, such as rural America. However, coverage can vary by location, so checking the coverage map before applying remains important.
Data Management
When you run out of data, you can purchase more through a data pass directly through your account management portal. The process is streamlined to minimize disruption to student learning.
Connect Your Student Today
Every day without reliable internet access is another day your child falls further behind in the digital classroom. Project 10Million represents a genuine opportunity to level the educational playing field for students who need it most.
The application process takes just five minutes, the benefits last five years, and the impact on your child’s educational future could be immeasurable. Whether your family participates in the National School Lunch Program, receives SNAP benefits, or qualifies through any of the other assistance programs, Project 10Million could be the bridge that connects your student to unlimited educational possibilities.
Don’t let the digital divide determine your child’s future. Take the first step today by checking your eligibility and applying for T-Mobile’s Project 10Million. Your child’s education—and their future—may depend on the choice you make right now.
Find Service Providers in Your Area
Ready to explore internet options for your family? Finding a low-cost internet service provider in your area is a solution to giving your entire family access to the internet. Some internet providers have basic plans, no-contract options, and more that can work within your budget.
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Common FAQs
What internet providers don’t require contracts?
Many major providers offer no-contract options, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and various regional ISPs. Some fiber and fixed wireless providers also provide contract-free service.
How can I get cheaper internet?
Look for promotional rates, consider lower-speed plans if adequate for your needs, bundle with other services, check for low-income assistance programs, use your own equipment to avoid rental fees, or negotiate with your current provider.
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About the author
Caroline Lefelhoc
Caroline Lefelhoc is a seasoned writer, copywriter, and editor with over five years of experience creating engaging, informative content. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Akron. Notably, she has served as the copywriting director and lead copy editor for the luxury media conglomerate Haute Media Group. In addition to her leadership roles, Caroline is a freelance writer for businesses of all sizes across various industries, including many internet-based companies.
Her expertise extends to the technology sector, where she has crafted content for tech startups and SaaS businesses. For CompareInternet.com, she provides helpful insight for consumers on internet technology, trends in remote work and learning, digital opportunity, software and Wi-Fi.
Outside work, she enjoys testing new Pinterest recipes and spending time with her family—her husband, their one-year-old daughter, an enthusiastic golden retriever named Beckham, and two cats, Gryffindor and Toast.
Which speed do I need?
Tell us what you use Internet for
How many users?
Online Gaming
Smart Home Devices
Streaming Video
Browsing & Email
Target speed: 50 Mbps
With multiple users in the house, you need a little wiggle room in your bandwidth. 50 Mbps will support all your web browsing and social media.
Your current Internet speed:
Find 50 Mbps Internet speed near you
