Best Internet Providers in Richmond, VA

Richmond COVID-19 Internet Resources for Low-Income Families

Computers and internet service are increasingly essential to academic and professional growth, but not all households are able to access this technology. The lack of access to the technology needed to get ahead in life disproportionately holds low-income families in Richmond back, a social disparity known as the digital divide. We put together the following lists of digital resources to help financially struggling families in Richmond access affordable computers, internet, and educational programming:

Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Richmond

• Richmond Public Schools: If your child is enrolled in Richmond Public Schools, all you need to do is call the front office to find out how to access a free laptop. Public schools in Richmond offer one free Chromebook to each student enrolled in the county system. The county also provides maintenance for these devices at several locations around the district.
• PCs for People: PCs for People is a charitable organization providing low-income families with affordable computers starting at $100 through the online store. To qualify for PCs for People computers, you need to prove enrollment in a government assistance program or show that you live under the 200 percent poverty level. 
• University of Richmond: If you’re actively enrolled at the University of Richmond, you don’t need to buy a new laptop to keep up with your assignments. The university runs a loaner laptop program for students who cannot afford their computers. You can check out these laptops for a maximum of two weeks at a time.

You can also shop for a refurbished computer from a tech store in the Richmond area. The following stores offer affordable, recycled computers that have been refurbished to perform like new:

• Computer World
• Experimax of Richmond
• TekRefurbs

Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Richmond

• Richmond Public Schools: Learning doesn’t only happen in the school building, and Richmond Public Schools is ready to support growing minds no matter where they are. Students in Richmond can access the public school system’s online learning resources, including everything from e-books to virtual tours of local museums. These resources are available to anyone and don’t require a student ID number.
• Creative Bug: Done in partnership with the Richmond Public Library, Creative Bug provides young people with an extensive collection of free online art classes. Students will need their library card numbers to access these courses, but the organization covers a wide range of arts and crafts, including oil painting, knitting, and craftbooking.
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA): Are you the parent of a young, budding artist? Help your creative learner grow those skills by exploring the VMFA’s free online Resource Center for learning. Students interested in the arts can find craft projects, museum tours, and classes covering an array of art-related topics.
• Making a Difference for You (MAD4YU): Whether you’re looking for academic, professional, or technological support, MAD4YU exists to serve low-income and marginalized communities. Students can access free online tutoring and find out more information by emailing info@mad4yuinc.org. 

Free Wireless Internet Access in Richmond

• WiFiMap.io Map of Wi-Fi Hotspots in Richmond
• Richmond Public Library Branch Locations
• Commonwealth Connect Wi-Fi Hot Spot Map

The Richmond Public Library system makes free Wi-Fi available at all of its branches, including the following locations: 

• Richmond Main Branch Library — 101 E. Franklin St.
• East End Library — 1200 N. 25th St.
• Hull Street Library — 1400 Hull St.
• Ginter Park Library — 1200 Westbrook Ave.
• Westover Hills — 1408 Westover Hills Blvd. 

Thanks to free public Wi-Fi, Richmond families who lack internet access at home can stay connected. Use our free Wi-Fi coverage map to learn more about the locations offering free, publicly available internet throughout Virginia’s capital:

Free Wireless Internet Access in Richmond, VA

3400 Brook Road

Richmond, VA 23227

8550 Magellan Parkway

Richmond, VA 23227

8550 Magellan Parkway

Richmond, VA 23227

8141 Hull Street Road

Richmond, VA 23235

6800 Paragon Place

Richmond, VA 23230

7914 Midlothian Turnpike

Richmond, VA 23235

101 North Fourteenth Street

Richmond, VA 23219

102 Governor Street

Richmond, VA 23219

101 North Fourteenth Street

Richmond, VA 23219

102 Governor Street

Richmond, VA 23219