Internet provider assistance programs
Many large internet providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, and AT&T, offer special plans at a reduced cost.
Jump ahead to see your internet provider's low-income internet program, or enter your zip code to see which ISPs are available in your area.
Altice Advantage for Optimum customers
Altice Advantage program details
Program | Price | Download speeds | Qualifying programs | Details |
Altice Advantage
| $14.99/mo.*
| 30 Mbps
| NSLP, SSI, Veteran assistance programs
| Apply Now |
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Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*Plus taxes and installation fee
Altice Advantage offers a discounted internet plan for K-12 and college students, their families, seniors, and veterans. The program is available in areas where you can subscribe to Optimum internet.
The Altice Advantage plan comes with no contract, but there's still a (discounted) installation fee. If you enroll in auto-pay, you can get an extra $5 off for three months as well. And at the moment, new subscribers can get the Altice Advantage plan for free for 60 days.
AT&T Access program details
Program | Price | Download speeds | Qualifying programs | Details |
AT&T Access
| $10/mo.*
| Up to 25 Mbps
| SNAP, SSI (CA only)
| Apply Now |
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Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*For a limited time, Access from AT&T customers at locations with available AT&T Internet speeds above 10Mbps are eligible for a speed upgrade up to 25Mbps.
The AT&T Access program costs $10 a month and gets you download speeds up to 25 Mbps. The speeds likely depend on where you live, but the cost is less if your speeds are less than 25 Mbps.
If your speeds are slower, you'll also get a 150 GB data cap, while those who can get 25 Mbps speeds get a 1 TB data cap. Be warned: If you go over your data cap, AT&T can charge you an extra $10 per 50 GB of extra data added to your plan.
Data fees aside, AT&T Access comes with no contract and no deposit, plus free installation.
Comcast Xfinity Internet Essentials
Comcast Internet Essentials program details
Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*Per Month + Tax
Comcast Xfinity's Internet Essentials plan comes with reasonable download speeds of 50 Mbps. The ISP is also continuing its offer of two months of free Internet Essentials service for new customers in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can qualify for Internet Essentials if you or a member of your household is enrolled in Head Start, Medicaid, LIHEAP, NSLP, public housing assistance, SNAP, TANF, a tribal assistance program, WIC, or receives a VA pension. If you owe money on your Comcast bill, you may still qualify for Internet Essentials.
Aside from that, Internet Essentials comes with no contract and doesn't require a credit check. But you can't have subscribed to Xfinity internet within the past 90 days.
Cox Connect2Compete program details
Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
The Cox Connect2Compete program offers low-income families with K-12 children 25 Mbps internet for about $10 a month. The plan comes with no contract and free installation, plus no deposit is required.
If your low-income household or child is enrolled in one of the following programs, you're eligible for Cox's Connect2Compete plan:
- NSLP
- SNAP
- TANF
- Tenant-based vouchers, project-based vouchers, Section 8 project-based rental assistance, or if you live in public housing
Internet First (Astound Broadband, powered by RCN, Wave, or Grande) subscribers
Internet First program details
Program | Price | Download speeds | Qualifying programs | Details |
Internet First
| $9.95/mo.*
| Up to 50 Mbps
| NSLP, HUD, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI
| Apply Now |
---|
Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*For qualifying households
If you're in an area that gets internet from Astound Broadband, powered by RCN, Wave, or Grande, you might be eligible for the Internet First program. It costs about $10 a month and gets you download speeds up to 50 Mbps.
Internet First doesn't require a contract or credit check, and you won't need to pay an installation fee.
XTREAM powered by Mediacom Connect2Compete
XTREAM powered by Mediacom Connect2Compete program details
Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*Plus taxes
The XTREAM powered by Mediacom Connect2Compete plan comes with 25 Mbps download speeds for about $10 a month. You won't need to sign a contract, pay a deposit, or pay installation or equipment rental fees.
You can get the XTREAM powered by Mediacom Connect2Compete low-cost internet plan if you have at least one child living at home and enrolled in K-12. Also, at least one child must also qualify for free or reduced-price lunch through the NSLP.
Q-Link Wireless program details
Program | Price | Download speeds | Qualifying programs | Details |
Q-Link Wireless
| Free 4.5 GB of mobile data
| 4G LTE speeds
| Must be enrolled in Lifeline
| Apply Now |
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Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Q-Link Wireless is kind of an oddball on our list of internet providers. But along with unlimited free talk and text, it also offers 4.5 GB of mobile internet data for free each month. And that's all on T-Mobile's highly rated cellular network.
Q-Link lets you keep your phone and number, doesn't require a credit check or contract, and won't make you pay for your SIM card or to activate your phone on its network. To sign up for Q-Link, you need to be enrolled in the Lifeline program.
Did you know you can get a free cellphone?
Many cellphone providers, including Q-Link, participate in the government Lifeline program and offer low-cost or free smartphones. Check out our guide on how to get a free phone for more info.
Spectrum Internet Assist program details
Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*Wireless speeds may vary.
Spectrum (previously known as Charter Communications or Time Warner Cable) offers its Internet Assist low-income internet plan for about $15 a month. You'll get download speeds of 30 Mbps with unlimited data and won't need to sign a contract.
To qualify for Internet Assist, someone in your household must get free or reduced-cost lunch through the NSLP or be eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or the NSLP, or be enrolled in SSI.
If you prefer, you can print out the application form and submit it by mail or email to the following address:
Spectrum Internet Assist Program - OCS
4145 S. Falkenburg Road, Riverview, Florida 33578
MAILFORSIA@charter.com
Download Form in English | Descarga El Formulario en Español
Verizon Lifeline program details
Program | Price | Download speeds | Qualifying programs | Details |
Verizon Lifeline
| $19.99-$59.99/mo.*
| 200-940 Mbps
| Must be enrolled in Lifeline
| Apply Now |
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Data effective 4/6/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*Per month w/ Lifeline approval, Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.
The Verizon Lifeline program is slightly different than the government's Lifeline assistance program, but it requires you to qualify for and enroll in the government Lifeline program.
Do you qualify for Lifeline?
To enroll in the Lifeline program, your household must earn 135% or less than the national poverty guidelines or someone in your household must be eligible for another assistance program. Check out the full details on Lifeline eligibility.