T-Mobile’s Project 10Million is Connecting Students Across the Country With Free Internet

Many students and low-income households across the country still struggle with obtaining affordable and reliable access to the internet. T-Mobile is putting its money where its mouth is by taking major steps in paving the way to close the digital divide. About five years ago, T-Mobile launched a project to provide free internet and hotspot devices to 10 million students—now it’s just about halfway through that goal.

T-Mobile isn’t trying to just lure new customers in with this project. Project 10Million is open to all eligible students, not just T-Mobile customers.

Why is T-Mobile providing students with free internet?

In 2020, T-Mobile launched Project 10Million  with a commitment to building stronger communities and breaking down barriers for equal opportunity.  It’s a considerable effort that aims to support students all the way through high school, both in and out of the classroom.

Internet access plays a massive role in students’ lives, and not having access to the internet can be extremely detrimental to their ability to access resources and succeed in school. T-Mobile wants to give students in need choices and opportunities by making sure students have access to the most essential resource for education.

What exactly do students get with Project 10Milion?

Students who qualify for Project 10Million will receive 200GB of internet for free annually for five years. Students also receive a free hotspot device that includes free shipping—how great! There are no hidden fees or extra costs to worry about either.

T-Mobile claims it only takes five minutes to apply, and you’ll never have to re-certify again throughout the five years of service. Students can also purchase an optional 10GB 30-day data pass for $10 if they need extra data.

While the idea of a portable hotspot device may worry some parents, T-Mobile includes free Web Guard services to filter content and give parents peace of mind with extra layers of security to restrict inappropriate content.

How do students qualify for Project 10Million?

Students in qualifying government programs are eligible for Project 10Million. The application process is easy and should take about five minutes. You’ll need to have your child’s student ID number, school district, and school name on hand for the application, as well as proof of eligibility. A notification letter for the National School Lunch Program or proof of enrollment into one of the qualifying government programs will need to be uploaded during the application process.  

Check out T-Mobile’s handy YouTube video for a quick run-down on how to apply for Project 10Million.

Programs that qualify for Project 10Million

Project 10Million is focused on providing underserved students and their households with affordable internet and devices. If a student participates or has participated within the last two years in any of the following government programs, they are eligible for Project 10Million:

• National School Lunch Program
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) via P-EBT or EBT
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
• Medicaid
• Head Start
• Foster youth, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth

Check full eligibility requirements, how to provide proof of eligibility, and sign up for T-Mobile’s Project 10Million here.

Can teachers and school administrators help connect students?

Schools and school districts can fill out a program request form on T-Mobile’s website. Once T-Mobile receives the application, a T-Mobile education expert will contact the application submitter or school administration.

If approved, free hotspot devices and internet access will be distributed for eligible students within the school or school district.

Is T-Mobile internet available anywhere in the U.S.?

T-Mobile’s network offers coverage throughout most of the U.S., but not yet the entire country. Make sure to check T-Mobile’s coverage map before applying to ensure you can get access to T-Mobile’s network.

What if students also need a device to access the internet?

T-Mobile aims to help students beyond just providing free internet access and also offers affordable devices for purchase at-cost—cheaper than you would find at retail stores—plus free shipping. Once you’ve signed up for Project 10Million, you can buy the following devices through your online account or at a T-Mobile store:

• Samsung Chromebook 4
• Lenovo 100e Chromebook
• Lenovo 100e Windows PC
• TCL TAB 8 LE

Are any other providers offering deals for students?

If you aren’t eligible for T-Mobile’s Project 10Million, check out our best internet plans and deals for students.

If you’re a recent grad looking for a deal on your internet, take a look at the best internet deals—available for everyone!

My thoughts: There’s no catch

Ensuring internet access isn’t a barrier to a child’s education is T-Mobile’s goal for Project 10Million. There are no extra fees or hidden agendas for this project—there really is no catch. Digital connectivity for students has never been more important, and T-Mobile’s efforts to make free internet for students a reality are simply commendable. This project is one of the best efforts we’ve seen to close the digital divide and we are excited to see T-Mobile reach its goal of connecting 10 million students to free and reliable internet access.

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