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Free Internet Programs

Looking for reliable internet connection without burning a hole in your wallet? Americans finally have new options for affordable, and even free internet. The FCC now offers a new program to help low-income families and seniors reap the benefits of the world wide web!

The month-to-month costs of a typical high-speed internet can easily eat away at your savings. Most plans can cost anywhere from $50 to over $100 per month. Unfortunately, today most people are stuck paying that in order to navigate through this increasingly interconnected world. However, there’s finally a new hope for low-income households and seniors in need of internet access: the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Eligibility

The new Affordable Connectivity Program from the FCC grants eligible households free high-speed internet from some of the top providers in the country. Families that are below 200 percent of the federal poverty level or are part of another government assistance plan may apply. Households receiving government housing assistance, snap benefits, Medicaid or reduced lunches are just some of the eligibility requirements for this program. Meanwhile, seniors receiving Supplemental Security Income or Veterans pension may also qualify. Families can select a free internet plan or receive a $30 discount for their plan of choice.

Free Internet Providers

The top internet providers in the country are all participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Many of these service providers offer lower priced plans, discounts, and even free equipment to make internet more affordable for families. Many of the free or reduced-priced plans cover speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

These are just some of the free or reduced internet options you can take advantage of:

  • AT&T
  • Verizon (300 Mbps Fios)
  • Spectrum Internet 100
  • Xfinity Internet Essentials
  • Frontier (Fiber internet)
  • IdeaTek
  • Comporium (Fiber internet or Cable Modem)
  • WOW! Internet 100 plan
  • Cox Communications
  • Breezeline
  • Vermont Telephone Company
  • Starry

Discounts

As mentioned earlier, the Affordable Connectivity Plan offers discounts for low-income households – giving them up to $30 for an internet plan of their choice. The discount is applied monthly to the eligible plan. Additionally, households on qualifying tribal lands may be eligible for discounts up to $75 per month.

Don’t have a computer or laptop? Eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to use towards the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. However, in order to qualify for a tablet purchase, you must contribute at least $10 but no more than $50 to the final cost.

Choosing a Free Internet Plan

Of course, choosing a free internet plan also depends on your location. While there are over 20 providers nationwide participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program, coverage for each one varies. You’ll need to search for a provider that offers coverage in your specific area, which will narrow down your options from there.

The next thing, you’ll want to consider is your budget. If you are looking for free internet choosing a plan won’t be too difficult. You won’t be likely to get a plan with speeds over 100 Mbps in most cases. That being said, if you are using the internet for work, and need higher speeds, you may want to elect to use the $30 discount instead. Either way, you’ll be getting a good deal.

If you're looking to reduce your monthly internet costs, determine your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Qualified individuals or households may have the opportunity to pay nothing for high-speed internet services. Begin an online search to compare providers and discover a plan that suits your requirements and budget.

To gain more information about the ACP, visit the FCC website to learn more about program eligibility and the sign-up process. This initiative has already enabled millions of Americans affordable internet access, and it can help you too!

Last Updated: May 31, 2023