Discounts Seniors May Qualify For: Internet, TV, Phone

Find out if you’re eligible for one of the best perks of aging — discounts.

Looking for senior discounts when it comes to Internet, entertainment and/or mobile plans? You’re in luck! Many providers will work with you to find a package in your price range or set you up with savings you qualify for.

We’ve put together a breakdown of the providers we work with and the discounts they offer. Most offer discounts through federal programs like Lifeline. Some even offer additional ways to save. Keep reading to explore all your options.

What is the Lifeline Program?

Like the former Affordable Connectivity Program and Emergency Broadband Benefit, Lifeline is another FCC program that offers discounts to low-income households. While the ACP/EBB benefit only provided support for Internet service temporarily, Lifeline provides support for both Internet and home phone service. Qualified households can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, Internet, or bundled services. If you live on Tribal lands, you can get up to $34.25 off your monthly bill. 

TV, Phone, and Internet Providers That Offer Discounts

To help you make the best decision for your TV, phone, and Internet service, we compiled a list of the available discounts and service packages offered by each provider. The discounts do not include options like autopay and paperless billing as those are often built into the providers’ pricing structures.

Before signing up for any service, we recommend calling or chatting online with the provider to inquire about any seasonal or limited-time deals.

Optimum

With Optimum, qualifying seniors can save money on both mobile and Internet plans that are offered throughout the year.

• Internet: Optimum fiber Internet plans can be as low as $30/month or more than $100/month depending on the plan you select. Bundling Internet and mobile plans may also result in a lower overall cost.
• Entertainment: Optimum TV packages are affordable to all ages, starting at just $35/month.
• Phone: Seniors can also enjoy Optimum’s many discounts on mobile phones throughout the year.

Xfinity

Seniors can take advantage of several deals and discounts with Xfinity. At the time this article was written, veterans and current military members are eligible for a special offer.

• Internet: Xfinity offers low-cost Internet service for as little as $9.95/month through its Internet Essentials program. 
• Entertainment: Xfinity’sTV packages offer various live TV and on-demand plans that range from $20/month to more than $100/month depending on the plan you choose.
• Phone: Xfinity offers both mobile and home phone service. There are not always discounts available, but you can save by bundling Internet and phone services.

Spectrum

Spectrum delivers reliable, high-speed broadband service at an affordable price with various deals and specials available throughout the year.

• Internet: Depending on the speed you choose, Spectrum broadband Internet generally ranges from $50-$90/month. Individuals age 65+ who receive Supplemental Security Income may be eligible to receive discounts through Spectrum Internet Assist.
• Entertainment: Though it depends on location, equipment, and more, Spectrum TV typically costs between $60-$80/month. Spectrum also extends various TV offers throughout the year. For example, Spectrum may offer a premium version of a popular streaming service free for a limited time when you enroll.
• Phone: Spectrum often has special deals available on select mobile phones. As far as mobile plans go, their service is consistently affordable. There are two simple plans available: you can purchase data by the gig at $14/GB per month, or purchase an unlimited plan for $30/month per line.

Hargray

Though Hargray has no senior discounts, there are still several ways to save money on the different plans available.

• Internet: To help you save money, Hargray offers Lifeline discounts and a military discount for active military members. Without discounts, Hargray Internet can range from $40-$85/month, depending on location, Internet speed, and more.
• TV: With no available TV discounts, the cost of residential TV service can be anywhere from $30-$120/month, depending on the package you select.
• Phone: If you qualify for the Lifeline program, you can save up to $8.75/month on home phone service. If not, the monthly cost is around $30.

Armstrong

Armstrong does not provide senior discounts for any of its services. However, you can still get affordable plans and access to various low-income programs.

• Internet: Armstrong Internet plans can range anywhere from $35/month to $110/month, depending where you live and the plan you select. However, Armstrong participates in the Lifeline 135 program which offers a $9.25/month discount on Internet service.
• TV: With the basic EXP Stream package from Armstrong, you get 100+ channels for just $9.95/month on one television. Premium channels and additional TVs can be added for an additional cost. Armstrong’s TV plans are only available as a bundle with Internet service.
• Phone: Armstrong currently offers home telephone service for just $9.95/month for six months. Armstrong also participates in Lifeline 135, a federal government assistance program that provides low-income households with a $5.25/month discount on phone service.

Fidelity Communications

Like many other providers, Fidelity offers discounts to qualified applicants through the Lifeline program.

• Internet: Depending on location, speed, and add-ons, Fidelity Internet prices can range from around $50-$100/month or less.
• Entertainment: With no available TV service discounts, the prices range from around $40/month for basic channels to more than $120/month for popular channels, additional screens, an Amazon Fire TV Stick device, and more.
• Phone: The prices for home phone service vary by location. If you’re on a limited income and are looking for ways to save money, the Lifeline program offers access to discounted phone service to qualified individuals.

MCTV

Qualifying individuals can save on MCTV services for:

• Internet: Depending on your location, you can expect to pay between $50-$80/month for MCTV Internet. 
• TV: MCTV entertainment options are slightly pricier than some of the other providers, starting at around $60/month. But even MCTV’s most basic TV package comes with a whopping 120+ channels.
• Phone: MCTV home phone service is affordable, ranging from $20-$40/month.

GCI

While GCI offers no senior discount among its many deals as of the writing of this article, it does participate in federal assistance programs like Lifeline.

• Internet: While most Internet service providers (ISPs) offer discounts through Lifeline, GCI’s Lifeline program does not apply to Internet service, but you can look out or promotions and discounts throuohut the year from Alaska's top provider.
• TV: GCI’s Yukon TV options are highly customizable. If you’re looking for low-cost service, TV packages start at just $15/month for 40+ channels. And since GCI’s Yukon TV options are highly customizable, there are various channel add-ons available.
• Phone: Though there is a wide range of prices for mobile phone service depending on the data plans and number of lines, qualified households can take advantage of the Lifeline program. If you qualify for Lifeline Wireless, you could be eligible to receive unlimited nationwide talk and text for $1/month, 12 GB of included data, and one Lifeline-eligible phone each year.

Cox

Cox offers great flexibility with affordable single service packages and money-saving bundles.

• Internet: Depending on the speed you select, Cox Internet plans can cost anywhere from $50-$100/month. Another discount program Cox offers is Connect2Compete. If seniors have a K-12 student living in their house, they may qualify for 100 Mbps Internet service for just $9.95/month.
• TV: Though there are no specific discounts, Cox offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out their services before committing . Cox streaming entertainment packages range from around $50/month for 75+ channels (local channels included) to $140/month for 250+ local and premium channels.
• Phone: Cox offers both home phone/landline service and mobile phone plans. Landline service is typically $20/month, while the cost of Cox’s mobile plans varies by location, phone, and data usage.

Mediacom

Qualifying seniors can take advantage of Mediacom’s Connect2Compete discounts for more affordable Internet service.

• Internet: Internet access from Mediacom typically costs between $20-$60/month depending on location, Internet speeds, and add-ons. Select seniors may qualify for the Connect2Compete program to receive Internet service for as little as $9.95/month.
• Entertainment: Xtream TV service is only available if bundled with Internet service. While there are no TV discounts, qualifying for one of the various Internet discounts can help lower the monthly cost.
• Phone: Mediacom does not offer any phone discounts. Prices for home phone service vary by location, international minutes, and Internet or TV bundling selections.

Sparklight

Sparklight bundles are extremely affordable for seniors.

• Internet: Sparklight’s high-speed Internet prices range from $45-$125/month. The price varies based on location, equipment rentals, and more.
• Entertainment: As Sparklight TV is only available with Sparklight’s Internet service, the prices vary greatly by the choice of Internet plan.

Can Seniors Get Free Internet Anywhere?

Unfortunately, no major ISPs offer free Internet service specifically for seniors. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get free Internet. If you qualify for and enroll in government programs, depending on the Internet provider and plan you select, you may be able to receive Internet service at no cost.

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