How to get free or low-cost internet
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Many top providers like Xfinity, Spectrum and AT&T offer cheap or free internet for low-income households, students and seniors through qualifying programs. Learn more about prices, speeds, eligibility requirements and steps to apply for cheap/free internet service near you.
Best options for low-cost internet
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: Most available service
- Spectrum Internet Assist: Good unlimited plan
- Access from AT&T: Affordable options
- Assurance Wireless: Cheapest deal
- Verizon Forward: Fast fiber internet
Government assistance for free internet
Several government agencies provide assistance for households to get internet access. Here are some resources to find government programs for free or low-cost internet:
Current programs
- The Lifeline federal government program provides subsidies to reduce the monthly price of internet or phone for qualifying households. Apply for Lifeline to save $9.25/mo. off your internet bill.
- Search for internet benefits based on your location at Find Help. Enter your ZIP code, then navigate to Housing > Help pay for housing > help pay for internet or phone.
Past programs
- The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was the primary government program for free internet from 2022 to 2024. Regrettably, this benefit is no longer available and has been paused indefinitely due to a lack of federal funding.
- The Keep American Connected Pledge initiative led by past FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called on internet service providers to refrain from disconnecting non-paying customers and waive late fees for those facing financial challenges due to the 2020 pandemic. Participation was voluntary and most providers have since discontinued these policies.
The future of the ACP
The ACP is discontinued as of June 1, 20204. The program partnered with top internet providers to subsidize $30/mo. for internet service, helping over 20 million households get internet access.
Internet provider assistance for free internet
Cheap internet or free internet for seniors and students are available from various high-speed internet providers. Following the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected initiative, dozens of regional and local providers have enacted or extended their own low-cost internet plans.
Learn more about reduced-price or free internet for students, seniors or individuals with low income and find out how to apply.
Xfinity Internet Essentials – $9.95/mo.
About the plan: There is currently no Comcast free internet. However, the cable internet provider offers two reduced-price Xfinity Internet Essentials plans depending on your location. Xfinity provides the modem and wireless router at no additional cost.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: $9.95/mo. for 50 Mbps.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus: $29.95/mo. for 100 Mbps.
The Xfinity Internet Essentials plan is available in 40 states. It offers one of the best values for reduced-cost internet because of its fast speeds and low monthly rate. Either plan is sufficient for streaming, gaming, web browsing, research, school or remote work. Internet Essentials plans do not have equipment, installation or activation fees. Plus, the wireless gateway is shipped to your home for free. You can set up the equipment yourself or opt for free professional installation.
Qualifications: People who qualify for government programs, such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutritional Access Program (SNAP), are eligible for this plan. Other prerequisites to qualify for these home Wi-Fi packages include (but are not limited to):
- You must live in an Xfinity coverage area.
- You must not have had Xfinity service or Xfinity past-due bills in the last 12 months.
How to apply: Apply online for Xfinity Internet Essentials, or apply by phone at 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376).
Spectrum Internet Assist – $24.99/mo.
About the plan: Spectrum Internet Assist costs $24.99/mo. for 50 Mbps. The no-contract internet plan includes a free modem, but a wireless router is $5/mo. You can supply your own Wi-Fi router to avoid the additional charge and save $60/year. This Spectrum plan works well for video conferencing, streaming, or other online activities that use a lot of data because it has unlimited internet.
Qualifications: At least one person in your household must be enrolled in the NSLP (or the Community Eligibility Provision) or get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to qualify for this Spectrum Internet plan.
How to apply: Apply online for Spectrum Internet Assist.
Access from AT&T– $5–$30/mo.
About the plan: Access from AT&T costs $5–$30/mo., depending on the area. Without the ACP, it is no longer possible to get AT&T free internet. Still, AT&T has three affordable internet plans available with either fiber internet or service through copper phone lines based on your location.
- $5/mo. for up to 3 Mbps
- $10/mo. for up to 5–10 Mbps
- $30/mo. for up to 100 Mbps
Plans include a Wi-Fi gateway and do not have a contract, deposit or installation fee. Although AT&T’s 100 Mbps plan is more expensive than other internet providers, it is $25 lower than AT&T’s standard price. The 100 Mbps Access plan can support multiple wireless devices running simultaneously.
Qualifications: Eligible households need to be enrolled in SNAP or NSLP or get SSI (CA only) and be within the household income qualifications.
Assurance Wireless with Smartphone – Free
About the plan: Assurance Wireless offers a free smartphone with internet access. The amount of wireless data per month typically varies between 4.5 and 6.5 GB, depending on your state’s Lifeline program. This plan is essentially a way to get T-Mobile free internet because Assurance Wireless uses the T-Mobile 2G and 4G LTE networks.
You can also use your phone as a Mobile Hotspot to provide Wi-Fi for other devices like laptops or tablets, but doing so will use your high-speed data quicker. Assurance Wireless does not perform a credit check, and plans do not have contracts or activation fees.
Qualifications: Assurance Wireless is available to households that qualify for Lifeline. Qualifying for free internet is based on household income or enrollment in assistance programs, including SNAP, SSI, Medicaid and more. Lifeline permits one free Assurance Wireless plan per household.
How to apply: Apply online for free mobile internet with Assurance Wireless.
Verizon Forward – $20–$81/mo.
About the plan: Verizon free internet offers relied on funding from the ACP. With the ACP on pause, cheap internet with Verizon Fios or Verizon 5G Home starts at $20/mo. when you qualify for Lifeline and Verizon Forward.
Verizon Fios plans:
- $20/mo. for 300 Mbps
- $41/mo. for 500 mbps
- $61/mo. for 1 GB
- $81/mo. for 2 GB (where available)
Verizon 5G internet:
- $20/mo. for 85–300 Mbps
- $25/mo. for 300–1,000 Mbps
Verizon internet plans are unlimited and do not have early termination fees (ETFs) or contracts. Verizon 5G internet has no installation charge, but Verizon Fios fiber-optic connections require a $99 setup charge.
Qualifications: Households that currently have Verizon with the ACP must transfer their service to a Verizon Forward plan before the ACP ends in April. New Verizon Forward customers must be enrolled in Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid or other qualifying programs or have received a Federal Pell Grant within the last 12 months.
How to apply: Apply online for Verizon Forward.
Other resources for free or low cost internet
Other internet providers that can offer internet deals for students include:
Optimum Advantage Internet – $14.99/mo.
About the plan: Unlimited, no-contract internet for veterans, seniors and students is available with Optimum Advantage Internet. The plan is $14.99/mo. for up to 50 Mbps, and installation and equipment are free. Optimum is a cable provider primarily available in Arizona, California, Idaho and New York.
Qualifications: Eligible households include those with students who qualify for the NSLP, individuals age 65 or older who qualify for SSI, or veterans receiving public assistance. Households that have had Optimum within the last 60 days or have an outstanding Optimum balance are not eligible.
How to apply: Apply online for Optimum Advantage Internet.
Mediacom Connect2Compete – $9.95/mo.
About the plan: Mediacom Connect2Compete helps students get inexpensive internet service. The plan is $9.95/mo. for up to 25 Mbps. It is available in Mediacom’s coverage areas, including Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina and more. Mediacom Internet is a cable connection with no deposits, contracts, installation fees or data caps. A gateway is also included with the plan.
Qualifications: Individuals applying for Connect2Compete must have at least one K–12 student at home in the NSLP. Current Mediacom customers or people who have had the service within 90 days or have a past-due Mediacom bill are ineligible.
How to apply: Apply online for Mediacom Connect2Compete or apply by phone at 1-855-904-2225.
Community initiatives providing internet access
Government programs aren’t the only way to get financial assistance for home internet. Various non-government nonprofit organizations work to supply low-cost or free Wi-Fi or devices such as laptops and computers. Some groups also provide free computer training to help participants become more digitally proficient.
Check out the following resources for more information.
- Devices for Students: Students can request a laptop, tablet or Wi-Fi hotspot. Teachers and parents can also request assistance on behalf of a student. If you want to support this cause, you can also send in your old devices for a tax-deductible donation.
- EveryoneOn: Enter your ZIP code and select any government programs that you currently qualify for to find a list of companies in your area offering low-cost internet or devices.
- Human-I-T: Request LTE internet access starting at $14.99/mo. This program also offers low-cost devices, digital training and tech support in English and Spanish.
- PCs for People: Eligible participants can easily request internet access or devices online.
Free internet FAQs
Is there a way to get free internet?
Free or reduced-price internet is available with several internet providers. Once you determine the providers available in your area, determine if you are eligible and apply through the company’s application process with the links on this page.
Will the government pay for my internet for free?
No. Since the Affordable Connectivity Program is not accepting applications at this time, no government programs provide free internet. However, being a part of other government programs can qualify you for free or cheap internet from a variety of providers.
Can you get free Wi-Fi without the internet?
Many retail stores and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi access. Starbucks, McDonalds, Panera Bread and many local coffee shops have complimentary Wi-Fi.
Will another program replace the ACP?
Currently, no other programs are planned to replace the ACP. However, a bill to extend the ACP funding is currently in Congress.
Can Wi-Fi cost less than $10 per month?
Xfinity and Assurance Wireless offer Wi-Fi plans for under $10/mo.
How can students get free or low-cost internet?
Students can access free or discounted internet through qualifying programs with providers like Optimum and Mediacom, or through general subsidized Wi-Fi offers from Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum and others. Eligibility often includes participation in other government assistance programs, such as the National School Lunch Program, Medicaid or SNAP.
How can seniors get free or low-cost internet?
Seniors can access free or reduced-cost internet through similar channels as students — by qualifying for programs that offer subsidized internet based on household participation in various government assistance programs. Providers like Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon and others offer these affordable options for seniors. Be sure to check the eligibility details with the available internet service provider in your area.
How can veterans get low-cost or free internet?
Veterans, military personnel, nurses, physicians and teachers can receive a 25% discount on AT&T Wireless plans, with proof of eligibility required. The Verizon military discount is a monthly reduction of $5–$15/mo. for new and existing Verizon Fios customers. Veterans in Xfinity service areas can qualify for the Xfinity military offer, which provides a $180 prepaid card for active and retired military members, veterans or family members living in the same household.
How can I lower the cost of my current internet connection?
Ways to lower your monthly internet bill include lowering your internet speed, using your own modem and router or switching your internet provider.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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