Wifi Hotspot Membership FAQs
Wifi Hotspot Membership FAQs
For questions about our memberships that include wifi hotspots and unlimited data, including the benefits Contributor, Contributor Plus and Sustainer members enjoy, please click here!
A: The Calyx Institute is an educational organization that develops frameworks, tools, and sets of best practices to promote privacy on the Internet and in the field of telecommunications. For the past few years, one of our goals has been to do research on to develop Internet access strategies that offer "Privacy by Design".
One of our projects that we work on that relate to this goal are our Calyx.net VPN which is based on LEAP software, and which currently encrypts the "last mile" of Internet access, and will soon offer client-encrypted cloud-hosted email.
Our idea was that if you take any "last mile" internet connection, such as this wireless data connection, and then run a VPN such as LEAP over it, and also employ other anonymity tools such as Tor, and XMPP with OTR then you have a prototype for a zero-knowedge Internet access system which helps to define a set of best practices for Public Libraries, Colleges and other community based organizations who serve communities at risk that need and want privacy and security.
Q: Is there some kind of privacy aspect to Calyx's Mobile Data Membership Benefit?
A: There is nothing inherently private about our hotspots or their data. To make your Calyx connection (or any internet connection) as private as possible, we recommend taking extra steps to protect your personal data:
- use a VPN like Calyx's free CalyxVPN service
- make your default browser a privacy-focused browser like Tor browser or Duck Duck Go
- encrypt your texts, calls and video chat with Signal
-run a privacy / anonymity focused operating system such as Tails, SubGraph OS, or Qubes on your computer. Q: How long have you been offering wireless data to Calyx's members ?
A: We have been providing this membership benefit to our members since 2013. Originally it was provisioned on the Clear network, and used WiMAX technology. Clear's WiMAX network was decommissioned after Clear was purchased by Sprint. As of April 2016, new members (and membership renewals) are being provided with connections using modern 4G / LTE technology instead.
Q: What are the specifications of the 4G / LTE service that Calyx provides to its members?
A: We offer an unlimited 4G or 5G LTE data-only plan with no throttling, suspension, or overage charges. The plan does not include off-network roaming and it is subject to any standard network management that Sprint may apply to commercial broadband data-only account holders.
Q: Will Sprint/T-Mobile know who I am when I use Calyx's 4G / LTE Membership Benefit ?
A: Yes, possibly. We are required to give the name and address of our subscribers to our hardware and service provider for auditing purposes. But we only know the name and address that you give us, often as part of your payment or shipping information, so that is the information we pass on. If you use Bitcoin or Paypal to make your donation, make a donation using cash, or have your device shipped to an address that is not directly associated with you, then we might not know your real name or address.
Q: Will I get cut off, charged more, or slowed down if I use a certain amount of data?
A: Our contract with Mobile Citizen says "no throttling, suspension, or overage charges after 30GB". As of April 2019, we were finally authorized by Mobile Citizen to describe the service as "unlimited" because there is no limit to the amount of data you can use, and there never has been. We began offering this membership benefit on the 4G/LTE network in April 2016 and so far we haven't heard of anyone being cut off for using too much data. Prior to that we were offering the same thing but on Clear's WiMax network and also there, nobody got cut off. On the first test hotspot we got in 2016, we used 100GB of data so far in just a day and a half and there was no problem.
Q: What happens if Sprint/T-Mobile coverage isn't good where I am?
A: That is something that we unfortunately have no control over. Sprint/T-Mobile controls their network and we have no influence with them. Your results may vary depending on where you attempt to connect and how Sprint/T-Mobile's coverage is there, and also due to network conditions. It is your responsibility to check T-Mobile's coverage map [https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map] and/or give T-Mobile a call for an up-to-date, personalized coverage assessment at 1-800-937-8997. If possible, we recommend testing with someone else's mobile device to see if signal quality is acceptable to you before you donate. Please be aware that our terms of service, which must be agreed to in order to become a member, says that we cannot be held responsible for where Sprint/T-Mobile has coverage and where it doesn't.
As of 10/01/21, all new hotspots we distribute have come with T-Mobile SIM cards and will automatically connect to T-Mobile's network, roaming to Sprint's where T-Mobile is not available. Hotspots distributed prior to 10/01/21 have SPrint SIM cards, connect to Sprint's network, and roam to T-Mobile's network when Sprint's network is not available. Extended coverage areas are typically areas where roaming to non-Sprint or non-T Mobile towers occurs, so our hotspots will not perform well in these areas.
Q: If I become a member and later decide membership is not right for me, can I get a refund?
A: One of the quirks of being a charity is that we are not legally allowed to provide refunds. During our signup process, before you contribute, you must agree that “Donations are non-refundable. By making a donation, you acknowledge that you are making an irrevocable gift to The Calyx Institute to support its non-profit mission.” We are committed to making sure that all of our members have the best experience possible, and will work with you to find a way to resolve any problems that arise.
Q: How does the $100 renewal discount work?
A: If you renew as a yearly member and you do not need a new device, an $100 discount will automatically be applied to your renewal. This means your renewal dues for the coming year will be $100 less than the sign-up dues for a yearly member at that level of membership. If you need a new device with your renewal, please reach out to help@calyxinstitute.org to speak to a staff member about the best way to make this happen.
Q: Can I make a membership contribution from my charitable giving fund?
A: If you wish to use a charitable fund to pay for the tax-deductible portion of a Calyx membership, please contact us at help@calyxinstitute.org first. Some funds have legal stipulations that may affect the way that your donation will be processed, so reach out to us at help@calyxinstitute.org so we can walk you through any adjustments you may need to make.
Q: What methods can I use to donate? Can I donate with cryptocurrency?
A: Yes, we accept Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, DAI, Ethereum, Litecoin, and USD Coin cryptocurrencies. We also accept credit/debit, checks, and cash. To make a cash or check payment, please email help@calyxinstitute.org so that a member of our staff can assist you. Cash donations are only possible within the NYC area. Please do not send cash through the mail.