Free Internet Access through Ziply or Comcast/Xfinity

Having reliable connectivity to the internet is critical for your student’s success during distance learning. The state recognizes this need, and has partnered with Ziply Fiber and Comcast/Xfinity to create Washington’s K–12 Internet Access Program, which gives eligible families free internet access so your student can connect to online learning from home.

This internet access opportunity will provide you with faster, stronger and more reliable connectivity than hotspots or tethering to mobile devices, which will better support your student. If eligible, your free internet access is available through June 30, 2021.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

To qualify for this program your household must meet the following criteria:

Your child must be eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2020-21 school year.
Your household had no internet connection in your home prior to August 2020. Note, if you accessed the internet through a hotspot or a mobile device, you still qualify for this program.

If your family qualified for free and reduced meals last school year, you must reapply for the 2020-21 school year. Additionally, if your family income has decreased, you may be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. This eligibility includes many other great benefits. If you have questions about applying for free and reduced meals, please contact our Food Services Department at (425) 408-7657 or by email at foodservices@nsd.org.

apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals

Step 2: Choose Provider

Through this program, you can receive free internet access from Ziply or Comcast/Xfinity. Your home may not be served by both providers. If you are unsure which provider services your residence, enter your address in the following coverage map or contact your leasing office or landlord.

Check Internet Coverage Map

Step 3: Request an Access Code

You will need an access code when signing up with either Ziply or Comcast/Xfinity. Request a code by completing the online form below or leave a message with your name and number at (425) 408-7657. Food Services staff will contact you with the code.

Request an Access Code

Step 4: Sign Up with Ziply or Comcast/Xfinity

Signing Up with Ziply
Signing Up with Comcast/Xfinity

Signing Up with Ziply

If you qualify and are interested in this program, you will not pay for installation nor equipment rental, and you will never receive a bill from us unless you decide to keep internet service from Ziply Fiber after the school year ends. You will need to pay for any damaged or lost equipment.

Through this program, you will receive quality high speed internet access (speeds will vary by location) that in most cases, will provide ample bandwidth for remote learning and video conferencing. Your student deserves the chance to learn without limits so you can also count on us to provide unlimited data.

To apply, just call us at 866-916-0139 and provide the access code you received from Northshore’s Food Services Department. Ziply’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. PST, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. PST.

To confirm your eligibility, Ziply Fiber will need a few details from you about your income. This information will be shared with Washington’s K–12 education department through a secure access portal and will never be used for any other purpose. Please note, the State of Washington will audit eligibility throughout the program. Should they determine your eligibility status has changed, service will be discontinued under terms of this program.

Once you are approved for the K–12 Internet Access Program, you will get fast, free Ziply Fiber internet through June 30, 2021. It’s easy to continue with us after that; we have no contracts and offer several affordable plan options.

Ziply Fiber is committed to helping your student stay connected. We’re fast, reliable and friendly. We’re Ziply Fiber.

Signing Up with Comcast/Xfinity

If you qualify and are interested in this program, you will not pay for installation or equipment rental. You will not receive a bill from Comcast during this free service period other than the first $0 invoice. You will be responsible for returning the equipment.

Through this program, you will receive quality high speed internet access, 25/3 Mbps. There is no term contract, no credit check and a free self-install kit. The data limit is 1.2 TB, which covers over 95% of all Comcast/Xfinity customers. This program also includes the option to purchase an Internet ready computer for just $149.99 + tax, as well as free online digital training classes and access to the Internet Essentials online Learning Center.

To apply, visit InternetEssentials.com using your computer or mobile device. Applying online is recommended. However, if you need additional support, contact Northshore’s Food Services Department at (425) 408-7657 or by email at foodservices@nsd.org for information on how to contact Comcast/Xfinity by phone.

Comcast/Xfinity verifies the identity of all customers when opening a new account and offers options to make the process as easy and seamless as possible:

Provide name, address and Social Security number. Don’t worry if you don’t have a Social Security number or don’t want to share – this is optional.
Provide name, address and mobile phone number. Instead of providing a Social Security number, you can verify your identity through SMS text messaging on your mobile phone.
Provide documents confirming identity. Comcast accepts over 30 different documents, including a number of international documents (please see our website for the full list)

Comcast/Xfinity will share a student's legal name (usually the eldest student in the family with multiple students), date of birth, and district with Washington’s K-12 education department through a secure access portal and will never be used for any other purpose. Please note, the State of Washington will audit eligibility throughout the program. Should they determine your eligibility status has changed, service will be discontinued under terms of this program.

Once you are approved for the K–12 Internet Access Program, you will get free Comcast/Xfinity internet through June 30, 2021. If you’d like to continue service after this date, you’ll have the option to keep the Internet Essentials service for $9.95 per month, or cancel the service.

Step 5: Return Your District Hotspot (If Applicable)

If you were using a district-issued hotspot and have decided to set up this free internet access, please return your hotspot and charging cable/power adapter one of the following ways:

Drop it off at any Northshore School District meal pick up location
Return it with your library books at your Books on the Bus stop
Contact your school’s main office to arrange a return

Additional Free & Reduced-Priced Meal Benefits

In addition to this opportunity to access free internet, it is important to submit your free and reduced meals application today so that you have access to other important benefits, such as the following:

Reduced fee for Camp Cedar Springs
Reduced fee for PSAT and Advanced Placement Testing
Reduced fee for sports/athletics
Reduced fee for summer school
Access to Backpack Program, which provides backpacks and school supplies
Access to Operation School Bell, which provides clothes and personal products

Please know that the number of eligible students for free and reduced price meals connects to the District’s Title I funding, which provides additional support at schools to help students succeed. If you have questions about applying for free and reduced meals, please contact our Food Services Department at (425) 408-7657 or by email at foodservices@nsd.org.

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