In 2020, T-Mobile launched an initiative known as Project 10Million aimed at bridging the digital divide for disadvantaged students. This program provides qualifying families with a free T-Mobile hotspot and grants access to 200GB of complimentary internet service annually over a five-year period. To be eligible for this offering, parents must apply on behalf of their K-12 students and demonstrate that their child qualifies for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or other assistance programs like SNAP.
A TikTok influencer, Remmington Taylor (@remmingtontaylor), recently shared insights about Project 10Million in her viral video. According to information from the EdTech Innovation Hub, T-Mobile has already distributed 6 million free hotspots and has 4 million more available for eligible families. Taylor emphasized that to receive the hotspot, all applicants need is a K-12 Student ID; it's not necessary to have a pre-existing account with T-Mobile. For residents of Puerto Rico, qualifying is simplified by submitting the student's report card, as all local students are automatically enrolled in the NSLP.
Responses to Taylor's TikTok shared positive user experiences with the program. One viewer highlighted how the hotspot has been invaluable during their frequent road trips, enabling their child to use an iPad even in areas with limited coverage. Another user reported successfully applying and getting approved with just their child's report card, while a third mentioned the hotspot's utility during power outages caused by a hurricane.
Initially, T-Mobile offered 100GB of internet access per year for five years but increased the allocation to 200GB last September. After enrolling in Project 10Million, families can purchase specific devices at cost through their T-Mobile account or at local stores, including:
- Samsung Chromebook 4
- TCL Tab 8 LE
A former T-Mobile employee suggested that individuals looking to disconnect their accounts might be offered a free hotspot or tablet to remain customers. However, families with K-12 children could find it more beneficial and straightforward to apply for the free hotspot and internet service directly, especially if they live in rural areas where internet access is inconsistent.
