In this guide article you will find answers to common questions about your ORCA issued Kajeet hotspot. Questions include: how to request one, how to return one, general information, and troubleshooting. Feel free to select a topic below to jump to your specific concern!
How do I get a Kajeet hotspot issued?
How do I connect to my Kajeet hotspot?
My Kajeet hotspot is not turning on or providing Internet access
My Kajeet hotspot has been stolen, damaged, or lost
What can I do if I can't connect?
Why is my Kajeet stuck in a loop updating and restarting?
What is a Kajeet?
The Kajeet SmartSpot hotspot is a school-managed WiFi hotspot to support digital equity for schools. This is a device that Oregon Charter Academy is only providing to families by request. The purpose of the Kajeet SmartSpot hotspot is to help support families whose students have difficulties with accessing the internet for their online schooling needs (such as completing Canvas coursework or attending Zoom classes). It is intended to be used alongside the ORCA Chromebook to help your student connect to required schoolwork.
Some quick facts about these devices:
- The device arrives as a kit with carry case, charger, and quick start guide and is activated and ready to use. An electrical outlet or charging device with a USB-A port will be needed to keep the hotspot charged.
- All devices use Kajeet filters to ensure that hotspots are used for educational websites. For example, sites like Netflix or Spotify are not available while connected to a Kajeet SmartSpot. The hotspot is not intended to serve as a household's primary method of accessing the internet outside of school use.
- Real-time data management and reporting is available to ORCA staff to monitor website activity and data usage on hotspots.
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ORCA students automatically have the Complete Unlimited plan, which means that you do not have to worry about how often your student is using the device. You should be able to focus on being sure your student is supported for their schooling needs instead of being concerned about data caps and charges!
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ORCA's Kajeet SmartSpots currently use the Verizon 4G LTE network for data connectivity. Please check the coverage map for 4G LTE to make sure your device will be able to connect to this network. Although Verizon has coverage nationwide, ORCA's Kajeets are not designed to connect students outside of Oregon at this time.
Note: Verizon has voluntarily limited their 5G C-band deployment around select airports. Actual coverage at airports may vary. This coverage map shows approximate outdoor coverage and is not a guarantee of service. Actual coverage may vary and is subject to change.
- When the Kajeet SmartSpot is in use, please store on a flat surface away from activity as well as any foods or liquids.
- When not in use, please store the Kajeet SmartSpot along with its power accessories in the provided carrying case. This reduces the likelihood of accidental damage outside of school hours.
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Please do not connect personal devices, such as a laptop, phone, or smart TV, to the Kajeet SmartSpot. This may inadvertently use up the available data pool and impact a student’s ability to complete schoolwork with the hotspot.
How do I get a Kajeet hotspot issued?
You will have the option to request a Kajeet hotspot during the enrollment process. For students already enrolled, please reach out directly to Kathie Smee (ksmee@oregoncharter.org) or contact Tech Support. Please be sure to include the following in your request:
- Full student name(s) and ID number(s)
- Number of students using the device
- Current mailing address
- Any additional information regarding your internet connection difficulties
How do I connect to my Kajeet hotspot?
Please head over to our separate guide detailing the setup and connection process!
Returning your Kajeet hotspot
When returning your ORCA issued Chromebook for any un-enrollment reasons (transfer, withdrawal, etc) you will also be responsible for returning your Kajeet SmartSpot hotspot device.
If your internet service conditions change or you simply do not wish to keep the Kajeet hotspot, please reach out to the Tech Support team with your reasoning for returning the device.
My Kajeet hotspot has been stolen, damaged, or lost
If your Kajeet hotspot has been stolen, damaged, or lost, please contact Technical Support as soon as possible to report the status of your device and request a replacement! Please remember to include important information like the student(s) name, what has happened to the device, and confirm your mailing address to expedite the replacement process.
Please note that instances of repeated and/or excessive Kajeet replacements are subject to review by ORCA, and any subsequent replacements are to be issued at ORCA's discretion. Although this is a free resource intended to help students, you will still be required to exercise caution to avoid damages or theft and to use the device responsibly.
Can I travel with my Kajeet?
If you are within the state of Oregon and within coverage limits, you may be able to use the Kajeet SmartSpot while traveling. You may encounter intermittent disconnections or difficulties receiving service depending on your location, and coverage is not guaranteed (see Verizon's coverage map here). Tech Support is available during normal business hours for questions or concerns, however it is not guaranteed that the help desk will be able to resolve connection issues if you are outside of known serviceable locations. It is highly recommended that you make sure all major deadlines are handled before or after travel in case there are unintended difficulties with connecting to your device.
International travel: Technically, you can physically take the device anywhere you'd like as long as it is protected and handled safely. Unfortunately, at this time it is not designed to connect students outside of Oregon. There is no guarantee that you will have service to connect your device.
What can I do if I can't connect?
If you are unable to connect your Chromebook to your ORCA issued Kajeet, please head over to our guide article detailing troubleshooting options!
Why is my Kajeet stuck in a loop updating and restarting?
If your V400 Model Kajeet is stuck updating and restarting, it is recommended to remove the back cover of the device and take out battery for 10-15 minutes before putting it back in. This should stop the looping issue you are experiencing.
Still have questions or concerns?
If you are still seeking information or have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Technical Support team! You can find all the ways to contact them in this article: