Hartnell College recognizes the critical need for reliable internet access, especially for students pursuing their education remotely. To bridge the digital divide, Hartnell has established a Hartnell Self Serve wireless internet service, providing essential connectivity for students without dependable home internet. This initiative, located at the Main Campus in Salinas, ensures that students can access online resources, complete assignments, and stay connected with their studies.
Currently situated in Parking Lot 4 of the Main Campus, the Hartnell self serve WiFi is available daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Parking Lot 4 is conveniently located on the south side of Building J (visual arts), nestled between the pool and tennis courts, and is easily accessible from West Alisal Street. To ensure the well-being of everyone utilizing this service, Hartnell College requests that users remain in their vehicles and practice social distancing while connected.
Hartnell College is actively working to expand this valuable service to its Alisal Campus and the King City Education Center. Students can anticipate further announcements regarding the availability of Hartnell self serve WiFi at these additional locations, demonstrating the college’s ongoing commitment to accessible education.
Beyond the Hartnell self serve WiFi, a range of internet assistance programs are available in the Salinas, Gonzales, and King City areas, ensuring broader community connectivity. Comcast offers several initiatives, including:
- Internet Essentials: Low-income families within Comcast service areas can benefit from 60 days of free Internet Essentials service for new customers. This program typically offers affordable internet at $9.95 per month for eligible households. Furthermore, Comcast has boosted the service speed for all Internet Essentials customers, both new and existing, increasing download speeds to 25 Mbps and upload speeds to 3 Mbps without any additional charges.
- Data Plan Pause: Recognizing the increased reliance on home internet, Comcast is providing all customers with unlimited data for 60 days, pausing data plans to eliminate concerns about data overages.
- No Disconnection Policy: Committed to supporting customers during challenging times, Comcast will not disconnect internet service or impose late fees for customers who communicate their inability to pay during this period. Their care teams are prepared to offer flexible payment arrangements and explore alternative solutions.
For students within the California Community Colleges system, California Connects Mobile Internet offers another avenue for staying connected. This mobile hotspot service, powered by AT&T or Sprint, delivers nationwide 4G LTE connectivity. Users can connect up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge for $19.99 per month, without any contractual obligations.
Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the nation are also open to everyone for free, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. A map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Salinas, Gonzales, and King City is readily available online. Simply select the “xfinitywifi” network and launch a browser to connect.
Charter Communications (Spectrum) is extending free Spectrum broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and college students who are not already Spectrum broadband subscribers. This offer applies to service levels up to 100 Mbps. New student households can have installation fees waived. Spectrum hotspots are located in Gonzales and King City, with a comprehensive coverage map accessible online. Enrollment can be completed by calling 1-844-488-8395.
The City of Gonzales is also actively addressing internet access needs by distributing free hotspots to city residents. Proof of residency at a Gonzales mailing address (excluding P.O. boxes) is required.
These combined efforts, spearheaded by Hartnell self serve WiFi and supplemented by initiatives from Comcast, AT&T/Sprint, Xfinity, Spectrum, and the City of Gonzales, provide a robust network of options for students and residents to secure essential internet access in the Salinas, Gonzales, and King City areas.
