Wi-Fi and Internet Access
District Wi-Fi
District Provided Devices: District provided devices connect automatically to the SPS Wi-Fi network. If you are experiencing issues with this, please contact TechLine at 206-252-0100 or laptops@seattleschools.org.
Personal (BYOD) Devices: Seattle Public Schools Staff and Students should be connecting their personal devices to SPS-Username. SPS-Guest is reserved for visitors to SPS buildings that do not have a SPS account. If you have any questions, please call our TechLine at 206-252-0100.
Please refer to the documentation on How to Connect to SPS-Username
Traveling internationally (taking a trip outside the USA)?
The Admissions Office admissions@seattleschools.org has limited international network access for students to official school breaks, like mid-winter or spring break and only upon request. Otherwise, students are to follow the attendance policy for in-person learning.
If you would like to request international network access during an official school break, please submit your request to seattleschools@service-now.com with your student’s name and the dates of school break.
Internet Access for Online Learning
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Seattle Public Schools is highly recommending that families and students seeking assistance in obtaining Internet access apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for the 2022-23 school year and beyond.
For more information and to enroll, please visit the Affordable Connectivity Program website.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying households. Unlike a SPS district supplied hotspot, ACP provides internet solutions for an entire household. If your household is eligible, you can receive:
- Up to a $30 per month towards Internet service for eligible households.
- Up to a $75 per month towards Internet service if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Low-cost Internet Services
Internet Service Providers (ISP) such as Comcast and Wave do supply low-cost Internet solutions for eligible customers. For more information about this, see the Seattle City website about low-cost internet options for Seattle residents on the City of Seattle website.
Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
Public free hotspot locations: FREE around city of Seattle hotspots
SPS Hotspot
A hotspot is a portable device that can provide Wi-Fi when students do not have internet available at home.
While most students and families should be able to apply for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for the best quality internet, some students may not be eligible but still in need. In those instances, the district will make available a limited number of hotspots for the school year 2022-23.
If you have a need but are not eligible for ACP, please contact your local school to discuss alternatives for your student. These hotspots have limited data services and should be used only for school related activities for 1-2 students.
SPS Hotspot Models and Disposal
For school year 2022-23, the district is supporting one (1) model of hotspots, i.e., the Verizon Orbic.
All other models of hotspots deployed have been deactivated and are no longer in service. Deactivated models can be disposed of, with the batteries being disposed in a manner consistent with the normal safe battery disposal.
If there are any questions around proper disposal, students should drop the device off at their school for proper disposal. If a student with one of these deactivated models still requires a hotspot, please speak with your school staff.