Internet access is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for learning, job opportunities, healthcare, communication, and civic participation. However, millions of students in the United States still lack reliable internet access at home. To address this problem, T-Mobile launched Project 10Million, a major initiative aimed at closing the digital divide for underserved families with school-aged children.
What Is Project 10Million?
Project 10Million is a nationwide initiative by T-Mobile that began in 2020 with the goal of providing free internet access to up to 10 million underserved student households across the United States. It’s part of T-Mobile’s broader commitment to improve digital equity for low-income families and students.
Through this program, eligible students receive:
- A free mobile hotspot device, shipped at no cost.
- Free high-speed data — currently 200 GB per year for 5 years.
- Optional 10 GB add-on data pass for $10 if initial data runs out.
- Access to affordable laptops and tablets for households or school districts.
The value of this benefit — including hardware and data — is roughly $500 per household per year.
📌 You do not need to already be a T-Mobile customer to participate.
Why is T-Mobile providing students with free internet?
In 2020, T-Mobile launched Project 10Million with a commitment to building stronger communities and breaking down barriers for equal opportunity. It’s a considerable effort that aims to support students all the way through high school, both in and out of the classroom.
Internet access plays a massive role in students’ lives, and not having access to the internet can be extremely detrimental to their ability to access resources and succeed in school. T-Mobile wants to give students in need choices and opportunities by making sure students have access to the most essential resource for education.
Who Qualifies? Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is tied to participation in certain federal or school assistance programs that show financial need. To be eligible, families must provide recent proof of enrollment in one of the following:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT)
- Medicaid
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
These programs help identify households with limited resources, ensuring the initiative reaches those most in need.
Programs that qualify for Project 10Million
Project 10Million is focused on providing underserved students and their households with affordable internet and devices. If a student participates or has participated within the last two years in any of the following government programs, they are eligible for Project 10Million:
- National School Lunch Program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) via P-EBT or EBT
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Medicaid
- Head Start
- Foster youth, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth
Check full eligibility requirements, how to provide proof of eligibility, and sign up for T-Mobile’s Project 10Million here.
What if students also need a device to access the internet?
T-Mobile aims to help students go beyond simply providing free internet access, also offering devices at affordable prices, even cheaper than in retail stores, with free shipping. Once you’ve registered for Project 10Million, you can purchase the following devices through your online account or at a T-Mobile store:
- Samsung Chromebook 4
- Lenovo 100e Chromebook
- Lenovo 100e Windows PC
- TCL TAB 8 LE
Why Project 10Million Matters
Closing the Homework Gap
Before the pandemic, around 9 million students in the U.S. did not have reliable home internet — a situation known as the “homework gap.” With remote and hybrid learning now common, this gap became a schoolwork gap, affecting up to 50 million students.
Without home internet, students may:
- Fall behind on online assignments
- Struggle to join virtual classes
- Miss out on educational resources
- Experience reduced academic achievement
Project 10Million gives students a consistent and reliable way to get online, reducing barriers to education.
Real Life Impact
Millions of Students Connected
Since its launch, Project 10Million has:
- Connected over 6.3 million students nationwide.
- Delivered almost $7.4 billion in free and subsidized tech and data services.
- Partnered with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to reach students in communities with high need.
Family Stories
Parents and students report real improvements:
“I like being able to do my homework and learn about things online. It’s very helpful even when I’m not at school.” — Student testimony from Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Thanks for providing free access to the internet. This is one less stress for our family.” — Parent, Oklahoma County.
In some cases, having reliable internet has helped entire families access work, healthcare, and community services online.
How to Apply / Get Started
For Families
You can start the application at the official T-Mobile Project 10Million page:
➡️ Apply or learn more: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million
For Schools and Districts
School administrators can learn about district participation and request enrollment by visiting:
➡️ Project 10Million for Education: https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/project-10-million
If your child’s school isn’t enrolled, contact your school principal or district technology coordinator to request participation.
Limitations & Considerations
- Hotspot devices rely on T-Mobile’s network coverage, which may vary locally.
- Data speeds might slow during network congestion.
- The program targets students; households without school-age children generally do not qualify.
Conclusion
Project 10Million is one of the most ambitious corporate efforts to close the digital divide in the U.S. in recent years. By providing free internet, devices, and ongoing support to millions of underserved students, T-Mobile is helping ensure that home internet access doesn’t limit a child’s ability to learn and succeed.
Contact
Toll-Free: 877-775-1066 (877-PRJ-10MN)
Website: www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10- million?icid=TFB_TMO_P_20TENMM_ 3EPLPL260ZRP2KVP622529
12920 SE 38th Street
Bellevue WA 98006
