Remote Network Connectivity Recommendations

March 14, 2020
David Gracey
Interim Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Services
March 14, 2020

Dear UCR Campus Community,

With the shift to online instruction for the spring quarter and remote work for operations, it is important to have reliable internet service.  Please see the recommendations below for those who need to establish network connectivity from off campus.

•    Several companies including Charter, Spectrum, and Comcast have announced plans to offer free internet service for 60 days to households with students as classes are moving online amid concerns about COVID-19.  Please contact the companies at the phone numbers below directly to arrange services.

Charter and Spectrum  – 1-844-488-8395

Comcast - 855-846-8376 for English speakers or 855-765-6995 for Spanish speakers

•    Students, faculty, and staff with wireless phone service may consider adding a personal hotspot to their plan in order to create their own WiFi network from a smartphone.  Most providers (e.g. Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer personal hotspot service to be added to wireless plans for approximately $10 per month.

•    ITS also has a limited number of Sprint hotspot devices that are available to be loaned out on a temporary basis.  Please contact BearHelp at bearhelp@ucr.edu or call  (951)827-IT4U(4848) for more information on this option.



Thank you for your continued patience as UCR strives to continue its mission of teaching, research, and public service during these unprecedented times.