T-Mobile’s Project 10Million is a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the digital divide in education by providing free internet access to eligible K-12 students across the United States. Launched in 2020 as part of T-Mobile’s broader $10.7 billion commitment to education, the program aims to connect up to 10 million underserved student households with reliable connectivity, helping eliminate the “homework gap” where lack of internet access hinders learning.
Since its inception, T-Mobile has made significant progress. As of recent updates, the company has connected over 6.3 million K-12 students through Project 10Million and related programs, delivering no-cost internet solutions to families in need. This effort addresses a critical issue: millions of students struggle with online homework, virtual classes, and research due to unreliable or absent home internet.
What Is Project 10Million and How Does It Work?
Project 10Million focuses on providing free mobile hotspots and generous data allowances to qualifying households with K-12 students. The program’s Direct to Parent/Guardian application allows families to apply directly, without needing to be existing T-Mobile customers. This makes it accessible to a wide range of families, including those on Metro by T-Mobile, former Sprint users, or completely new to the carrier.
Key benefits include:
- One free T-Mobile hotspot device (a portable mobile hotspot for Wi-Fi connectivity at home).
- 200GB of mobile data per year for up to five years (recent program details from T-Mobile’s official support pages confirm this generous allowance; earlier iterations mentioned 100GB, but current offerings have increased to better support multiple devices and heavy usage like video lessons and streaming educational content).
- No monthly fees, hidden charges, or annual recertifications required in most cases.
- Opportunity for discounted or low-cost laptops/tablets in some partnered distributions.
The hotspot uses T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G and 4G LTE network, providing reliable high-speed internet suitable for schoolwork, video calls, and online resources. Data resets annually, giving families a fresh 200GB each year for the full five-year term.
Eligibility Requirements for Free Internet
To qualify for Project 10Million’s free hotspot and data, the household must include a K-12 student enrolled in one of the following programs (proof dated within the last year is typically required):
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) – free or reduced-price lunch.
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
- Other qualifying federal assistance programs, like Medicaid (in some cases), Head Start, or similar low-income indicators.
Families provide documentation such as:
- A recent report card, student ID number, or enrollment letter.
- Proof of participation in an eligible program.
Applications are straightforward and can be completed online. T-Mobile verifies eligibility quickly, and approved households receive the hotspot shipped directly (no PO boxes). The program is available nationwide for eligible U.S. households.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips for Success
Applying for Project 10Million is simple and user-friendly. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the official application page: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million.
- Click “Apply now” or start the form.
- Fill out basic information about the parent/guardian and student.
- Upload or provide proof of eligibility (e.g., NSLP approval letter, recent progress report with student ID).
- Submit the application – you’ll receive an email confirmation and, if approved, details on the hotspot shipment.
Tips to make your application successful:
- Gather documents in advance: Scan or photograph proof clearly (e.g., NSLP letter or school report card showing enrollment).
- Use a valid physical address (no PO boxes, as hotspots are shipped).
- Double-check eligibility criteria on the official site, as requirements can update.
- If issues arise, contact T-Mobile support at 1-800-937-8997 or visit a retail store for in-person assistance with the online form.
- Apply early in the school year – while the program is ongoing, demand can be high during back-to-school periods.
- No need to switch carriers: Even non-T-Mobile users qualify, and the hotspot works independently.
Once approved, families enjoy seamless connectivity without ongoing costs, empowering students to participate fully in digital learning.
Why Project 10Million Matters: Closing the Homework Gap
The digital divide remains a major barrier in education. Studies show that students without reliable home internet fall behind in assignments, miss virtual opportunities, and face long-term academic disadvantages. T-Mobile’s initiative directly tackles this by prioritizing K-12 households most in need.
Beyond hotspots, Project 10Million partners with school districts to offer discounted or free lines/devices based on the proportion of students eligible for NSLP. This holistic approach supports entire communities, from urban to rural areas.
Education experts emphasize that programs like this set students up for long-term success. Reliable internet opens doors to online resources, tutoring platforms, college prep, and skill-building tools essential in today’s world.
T-Mobile’s commitment extends further: By 2024-2025, the company had invested billions in connectivity solutions, demonstrating a sustained dedication to equitable access to education.
Final Thoughts: Empower Your Child’s Education Today
T-Mobile’s Project 10Million stands as one of the most impactful private-sector efforts to provide free internet for K-12 students. With a free hotspot, 200GB annual data for five years, and straightforward eligibility tied to programs like NSLP, it removes financial barriers to learning.
If your household has a K-12 student qualifying for assistance programs, don’t miss this opportunity. Head to the official site today: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million to apply and connect your child to the resources they need.
For the latest details, always check T-Mobile’s official Project 10Million page, as program benefits and data amounts may evolve. Bridging the digital divide starts with one application – take the step toward unlimited learning potential.
Updated on: February 28, 2026
