The CSUMB Hotspot Program that began in 2020 is now ending with the return of students to a hybrid learning environment. This means the hotspot issued to you during this time is yours to keep or return to the Technology Help Desk in the Library.
The data plan, however, will end at the end of the Fall term and your hotspot will no longer work.
There are several options if you would like to continue to use the hotspot with a new data plan:
- Create a new data plan with AT&T at market rates;
- Sign up for a low-income data plan with AT&T;
- Migrate an existing plan to this hardware.
Download the AT&T PDF for more information about the low-income data plan.
Original article:
CSUMB has Wi-Fi Hotspots available for checkout.
Mobile Hotspots: Overview
A device that is similar to a phone, but which is designed to provide WiFI internet access. People who travel or who need constant access to a reliable WiFi connection can use one of these devices for internet access.
Who is eligible?
Only currently enrolled CSUMB students are authorized to borrow a unit.
How to get one:
The campus provides WiFi Hotspots to Students through the Library checkout on a first come, first serve basis.
Instructions to check one out:
- Go to the Library Homepage, https://csumb.edu/library
- In the “OneSeach box” search the Library catalog
- In the “Search” box type the phrase - IT Hotspot
- Under the dropdown “Everything” menu select Books & Media (CSUMB)
- Then click the green search button
- Select Information Technology Wifi Hotspot (first listed on results page).
- Sign in for more options (otter id and password).
- Request any from the list that displays, "Item in place."
- You will receive pickup instructions after the library processes your request.
Please note: Hotspots are subject to return fees, so make sure to return your hotspot before your rental expires.
Brands available for checkout with their instructions book:
Tips for use:
- The computer will connect to the hotspot via WiFi so it does not need to be next to the device using it so I recommend that they move around the room or house with the hotspot to find the place that has the strongest signal. In many cases the strongest signal will be near a window. Some parts of the house may be 1 bar but my front window is 3 bars and the speed difference is staggering.
- Hotspots use the same service that a cell phone does so if they are in a location with no or low cell phone signal, it will likely be the same with the hotspot.
- Read the instruction manual (Linked above) to make sure you have the device turned on, that it is broadcasting and your machine is connected to it.
- All hotspots have unlimited data, but the hotspot itself may show only 20GB as the data limit in the onscreen settings, but that is not the case - they are unlimited.
What to do if it doesn’t work or breaks
Return the device to the library. Email: library_reference@csumb.edu to learn how. Explain what is wrong with the hotspot to see if you can exchange it. Follow the Instructions to check-out a new hotspot if necessary.
Reminder: Saving all documents to the cloud instead of your computer can be a lifesaver, especially if you are having an issue with your CSUMB computer and the computer needs to be swapped out.