Free & Low-Income Internet Options You May Qualify For

Finding out whether you’re eligible for discounted or free Internet service usually takes some digging. Luckily, we did the work for you.

The most common way for low-income families to take advantage of free or discounted Internet is to enroll in one of the federal government-sponsored programs. Most providers participate in at least one program, and some even offer low-income discounts of their own.

Below, we share some of the top Internet service providers (ISPs) throughout the country and which low-income discounts they offer. If you don’t see your ISP listed below, give them a call — you’d be surprised by what might be available if you just ask!

Federal Internet Programs for Low-Income Families & Individuals

There are multiple government assistance programs that offer significant Internet discounts to those who qualify. Below are the most common programs.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides Internet discounts to low-income households. Qualifying applicants can receive up to $30 off their monthly Internet bill with participating Internet providers. If you live on Tribal lands, you can receive up to $75 off. Review the eligibility requirements to confirm whether you qualify for the ACP benefit.

Lifeline

Lifeline is another FCC program devoted to low-income households throughout the U.S. However, instead of focusing solely on Internet service, Lifeline provides monthly discounts for phone service, broadband Internet, and phone/broadband Internet bundles. Qualified applicants can receive a discount of up to $9.25 for their service. If you live on Tribal lands, you can receive a discount of up to $34.25. Review the Lifeline eligibility requirements to confirm whether you qualify.

Internet Providers That May Offer Low-Income Options

Here’s a list of the ISPs we partner with and the low-income Internet options they offer.

Armstrong

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Outside of participating in the government assistance programs, Armstrong does not offer any additional low-income options. However, the most affordable Internet plan is as low as $35/month.

Cox

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Other Discounts: Yes

Cox provides several options for low-income households. One of the best options out there is Cox’s Connect2Compete program. The program offers low-cost Internet access and WiFi to households with K-12 students for only $9.95/month. Without any discounts, Cox’s most affordable plan is around $50/month.

Fidelity

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Enrollment in government-sponsored programs is the only low-income option offered by Fidelity. If you don’t qualify for either program, Fidelity’s base Internet plan is available for around $50/month.

GCI

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: Only available for mobile phone service

With GCI, the monthly ACP discount for Internet service is up to $79.99! Eligible households can even get up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Hargray

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Other Discounts: Yes

On top of the usual government-assistance programs, Hargray also offers a military discount for active military members and their families. Without any of the discounts mentioned above, Hargray Internet plans range affordably from around $40-$85/month, depending on your location and the plan you select.

MCTV

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: No

Other Discounts: Yes

In addition to participating in ACP, MCTV also offers MCTV Internet Connect. This program was designed to provide Internet access to low-income families with K-12 students. If you qualify, you can get Internet with 25 Mbps of download speed, no data caps, and optional in-home WiFi service for $10.95/month.

Mediacom

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: No

Other Discounts: Yes

In addition to the ACP, Mediacom also participates in the Connect2Compete program, which offers Internet services to qualifying low-income households for as low as $9.95/month.

Optimum

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: No

Optimum’s most affordable Internet plan can be as low as $30/month, so even if you don’t qualify for the ACP benefit, you can still get a low-cost Internet plan.

Sparklight

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: No

Sparklight’s only low-income discount is the ACP benefit. But Sparklight Internet can still be affordable as plans start at just $39/month.

Spectrum

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Other Discounts: Yes

Along with the ACP and Lifeline programs, Spectrum also offers a low-income Internet option called Internet Assist. This offering features high-speed Internet, a free modem, and no data caps.

Xfinity (Comcast)

ACP Discount: Yes

Lifeline Discount: No

Other Discounts: Yes

In addition to ACP benefits, Xfinity offers its Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus programs. If you qualify for Internet Essentials, you could receive Internet service for just $9.95/month. Internet Essentials Plus offers faster service for only $29.95/month. Both tiers of the Internet Essentials program also come with the option to buy a new laptop for just $149.99.

How to Find Low-Income Internet Discounts

While the list above is helpful for anyone seeking out low-income deals, the best way to uncover special offers and deals is to contact the provider directly. There may be additional offers you’re unaware of that could help you save money.

Next Steps to Finding the Perfect Internet Plan

Not sure which Internet providers are available in your area? SmartMove makes it easy to explore and compare all your Internet options.