Internet Access During the Pandemic

Learn where students and the general public can access wireless internet at their local higher education institution.
Please note that this list is subject to change.

Is wireless internet available on campus?

Yes, all Kentucky public institutions have wireless internet. The public institutions include Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Kentucky State University (KSU), Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) (16 institutions), Morehead State University (MSU), Murray State University (MuSU), Northern Kentucky University (NKU), University of Kentucky (UK), University of Louisville (UL), and Western Kentucky University (WKU).

Can I access internet if I am not a student at the institution?

Yes, most institutions have secured guest access.  There are a few institutions that offer open guest access.  Please follow instructions of the institution to gain guest access.

Is outdoor wireless internet access available to the general public?

Yes, please see details below about institutional location and accessibility:

• Eastern Kentucky University: 
  • Main Campus: Intramural Fields, Carter Building parking lot, Arlington Golf Course parking lot, EKU Ravine, and Moberly parking lot.
  • Corbin Campus: Signal available in parking lot near building. Secure access for students and employees, and EKUGuest network available to the public.
  • Manchester Campus: Signal available in parking lot near building. Secure access for students and employees, and EKUGuest network available to the public.
• Kentucky State University: The campus is closed to the general public.
• Kentucky Community and Technical College campuses: All KCTCS college campus locations have guest wireless access in parking lots (some parking lots have stronger signals than others).
• Morehead State University: Comprehensive outdoor Wi-Fi is available across the MSU campus. The Cartmell Hall parking lot provides excellent outdoor Wi-Fi services.
• Murray State University: The Curris Center parking lot has wireless access. The coverage is optimal closer to the building.
• Northern Kentucky University: Wireless service is available in the following parking lots: V,O,R,D,K,I and J.
• University of Kentucky: Wireless internet access is provided in outdoor areas: Fine Arts corridor (between Guignol Center and Maxwell Place), the rear common and dining areas of Gatton Student Center, the rear of Memorial Hall, the rear courtyard of Jacobs Science Building, and the main entrance side of the Rosenberg College of Law. Parking lot access may be attainable when parking in lots directly adjacent to University buildings.
• University of Louisville: Outdoor wireless access is available in several greenspace areas on campus providing secure access for students and visitor access for the public.
• Western Kentucky University: Outdoor wireless access is available near most buildings in outdoor areas. Park St. and Creason St. parking lots allow general public access via the guest network for the remainder of the semester.

Wireless Access at Home

Students seeking to obtain wireless internet access at home should contact their local providers for services and resources available to their specific plan. Below is general information for some of Kentucky's major providers.

• AT&T: For the next 60 days, AT&T will not terminate service for any wireless, home phone, or broadband residential or small bus customer due to inability to pay. They are also waiving late payment fees, providing hotspot access and providing need-based access. More info: https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html. 
• Comcast Xfinity: The company is opening their Xfinity WiFi network for free along with providing unlimited data. They are also providing hotspots to everyone, including non-subscribers. For more information, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19. 
• Verizon: Verizon will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay bills, are waiving late fees and are tripling data allowance for Verizon Innovative Learning schools. For more information, visit https://www.verizon.com/about/news/update-verizon-serve-customers-covid-19. 
• Charter Spectrum: Charter is offering free spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who don't have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. They are also providing open WiFi hotspots.
  For more information, visit https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more. 
• Sprint: Sprint is opening up their network to their customers and will not terminate service if customers are unable to pay due to coronavirus issues. They are also waiving late fees. For more information, visit https://newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.htm. 
• T-Mobile: T-Mobile customers who have data plans will have unlimited or expanded smartphone data, depending on the subscriber plan. They are also expanding data allowance for free to schools and students for the next 60 days, which means at least 20GB of data per month for each participant. For more information, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-update-on-covid-19-response.
• Appalachian Wireless: This service will not shut off access due to non-payment. For more information, visit http://www.appalachianwireless.com/.