Academic Technology Launchpad: Remote learning internet/ WiFi options

Wireless Access - MC-Secure

The College has expanded the MC-Secure WiFi access to various campus parking lots. If you're having connectivity issues with your home internet access, you can drive to campus and connect your device to MC-Secure to complete coursework. Please read details and regulations below regarding the use of this service:

• MC-Secure WiFi is available between 7:00am – 8:00pm, 7 days/week.
• You will need to log in with your Madison College username and password.
• Park in designated spaces while using the WiFi (see below for specific locations).
• Arrive in and remain in a vehicle and practice mandated social distancing at all times.
• Public Safety will monitor these areas at Truax. Regional campus parking lots are monitored 24/7.

Madison Campuses:

• Truax – parking area north side of Health and Information Technology Building
• Goodman South – parking area nearest back/south entrance

Regional Campuses:

• Fort Atkinson – parking area – first, second rows of parking area on north side of building
• Watertown – parking area – first and second rows
• Portage – parking area – first and second rows
• Reedsburg – parking area on east and north sides of the building

Additional Assistance:

• If you need help logging into MC-Secure WiFi, visit our Wireless help guide or contact us directly at 608-243-4444.
• General information for troubleshooting home internet connection issues.

Free or Discounted Internet Options for Students:

Wisconsin Public WiFi Locations Map -

Here is a map of public WiFi locations available throughout the state of Wisconsin

Affordable Connectivity Program (replaced Emergency Broadband Benefit) -

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Participating providers in Wisconsin.

Internet Service Provider Discounts -

Some internet service providers may continue to offer student discounts. Check with your local internet service provider for details. Here is a complete list of internet providers in your area:

Charter -  https://www.spectrum.com/services/wisconsin

Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Comcast - https://www.xfinity.com/locations/internet-service-providers-in-my-area

New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.

TDS - https://hellotds.com/

New customers with students or financial need will be eligible for 60 days of free internet access, to help assist with work- or school-at-home scenarios. Call 1-866-278-2472 or visit https://hellotds.com/

Other major internet providers in Wisconsin:

• AT&T: https://www.att.com/local/internet/wisconsin
• CenturyLink: https://www.getcenturylink.com/availability/wi
• Frontier: https://go.frontier.com/availability/wi

For a complete list of internet providers in your area:

eduroam

eduroam is a secure worldwide federated network access service developed for the international research and education community.

Madison College is a member of eduroam, so you can use your Madison College credentials at any eduroam-enabled school and get instant network connectivity. This also means visitors from participating schools can get wireless network connectivity at Madison College campuses.

Hotspot Models Available through Madison College

The College has an inventory of hotspots available for student use for semester-long checkout. These mobile hotspots are activated with data plans provided by T-Mobile (Sprint) and US Cellular. At no cost to students. Visit the Technology Access Program page to submit a request to borrow a hotspot. Please contact us by phone at 608-243-4444 or email if you have any questions about requesting a hotspot. Below is information about some of the models that are available. 

Alcatel Linkzone 2

MiFi 8000

MiFi M2000 5G

Coverage Area Information:

• Unfortunately we cannot 100% guarantee these hotspots will work in every area. 
• Most hotspots will work anywhere a cell phone works.
• Check https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map to see what the T-Mobile coverage is in your area.
• Check https://www.uscellular.com/coverage-map for the coverage available with the U.S. Cellular models.

Other Options:

• Consider using your cell phone as a hotspot. Please note this option may require additional data through your wireless provider.
• Consider purchasing a hotspot from a wireless provider that does provide coverage in your area.
• If funding is needed for either of those options, the College does encourage students to apply for emergency funding to help you cover the cost.