High-speed internet has become a basic necessity in today’s world. Fortunately, both public and private programs are working to make access more affordable and widespread. Many U.S. residents can now get broadband internet at little to no cost through initiatives like the now-discontinued Affordable Connectivity Program and other similar efforts.
Access to reliable internet isn’t evenly distributed across the country — a challenge that became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what can you do if your area lacks high-speed service, or if local providers are too expensive? What if no major internet service providers (ISPs) cover your location at all?
While building long-term internet infrastructure is a complex issue, there are still several practical ways to get online for free or at a reduced rate. These options can be a lifeline not just during national emergencies, but anytime you’re facing financial hardship. Let’s explore how you can stay connected without breaking your budget.
Which Internet Service Providers Offer Free or Low-Cost Internet Access?
Many internet service providers (ISPs) in the U.S. now offer special programs to help low-income families stay connected. During the COVID-19 pandemic, even more companies joined the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected initiative — pledging to waive late fees, avoid service disconnections, and open their Wi-Fi hotspots for public use. Although that program has ended, several ISPs continue to provide affordable or even no-cost internet options for eligible households.
When the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was active, it helped millions reduce their internet bills to $0. While the ACP has been discontinued, most participants can still receive support through the Lifeline program, which can lower or completely cover internet costs.
How to get Free or Low Cost Optimum Internet?
Optimum offers affordable service through its Optimum Advantage plan, which provides speeds up to 50 Mbps and includes free equipment.
Additionally, Altice USA introduced Optimum Advantage+ in 2022, offering double the speed (up to 100 Mbps) for $25 per month.
How to get Low Cost or Free Comcast Xfinity Internet?
Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program remains one of the most popular affordable internet plans in the U.S. For just $14.95 per month, qualifying households get speeds up to 75 Mbps.
Comcast also launched Internet Essentials Plus, which costs $29.95 per month and offers speeds up to 100 Mbps. Even after the ACP’s conclusion, eligible customers can still cover the full cost of the standard Internet Essentials plan through the Lifeline program.
How to get Low-cost AT&T Internet?
The AT&T Access program provides affordable internet for households participating in SNAP or SSI (in California). During the pandemic, AT&T expanded eligibility to include families meeting 135% of federal poverty guidelines or participating in programs such as:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Head Start
With support from the ACP (and now Lifeline), eligible users could receive fiber internet speeds up to 100 Mbps, plus free equipment and installation.
Get Free or Low-cost Cox Internet
Cox offers its ConnectAssist plan for families participating in income-based programs such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, or Medicaid. For $30 per month, households get speeds up to 100 Mbps, along with access to Wi-Fi hotspots and Cox Digital Academy educational tools.
Through the now-ended ACP program, eligible customers could get Cox ConnectAssist entirely free.
Cox also runs Connect2Compete, offering 100 Mbps speeds for just $9.95 per month — one of the most affordable options available.
How to Get Low-cost Mediacom Internet?
Mediacom helps low-income households through its Xtream Connect program. Applicants can qualify via SheerID verification if they participate in:
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP, Title 1/LAP)
- SNAP benefits
- Other government assistance programs
Get Free Internet Grants: Synergy Internet
Synergy Internet partners with Synergy Charity Services to offer grants for free or discounted internet. Households may qualify if they participate in federal assistance programs such as NSLP, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or housing assistance.
Eligibility also requires that you live in an area served by Synergy, Spectrum, or Verizon, and that you haven’t used those services in the past 90 days.
How to get Free Verizon Internet?
The Verizon Forward Program was created to provide no-cost internet for ACP participants and now continues in partnership with the Lifeline program.
It applies to:
- Verizon Fios
- Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Verizon LTE Home Internet
Free Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
Many ISPs have also opened public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, making it easier to get online without a subscription. These hotspots — often located in shopping centers, parks, libraries, and train stations — were once limited to paying customers but are now free for public use.
Also read: Get Free Internet with Food Stamps: Here’s How!
Government Programs for Internet Service
Beyond internet service provider (ISP) discounts, several government programs are designed to make internet access more affordable for low-income families. These initiatives can help reduce or even eliminate your monthly internet bill. You can explore eligibility details and application steps through official federal or state program websites that assist with free and low-cost internet access.
Lifeline
Lifeline is a long-standing federal program that helps low-income households save on their monthly phone or internet service. It offers a minimum discount of $9.25 per month on landline, wireless, broadband, or bundled services.
For residents living on federally recognized Tribal lands, Lifeline provides an additional $25 discount, totaling up to $34.95 per month in savings.
If you previously qualified for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), chances are you’ll also meet the eligibility requirements for Lifeline.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Status: Currently inactive until new funding is approved by Congress.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered households up to $30 per month toward their internet bill, or up to $75 per month for those on Tribal lands or in high-cost areas.
Households qualified for the ACP if at least one member met one or more of these criteria:
- Qualified for the Lifeline program
- Approved for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Received a Pell Grant in the current year
- Participated in a low-income plan from a participating internet provider
- Received assistance through SNAP or WIC
The ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) in December 2021, broadening eligibility and adjusting benefits. For example, households could now qualify at up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and WIC recipients were added to the eligibility list. However, the program officially ended on May 31, 2024, after Congress failed to approve continued funding.
Spread the Word
One major challenge of the ACP was awareness. Many eligible families never applied simply because they didn’t know the program existed. To help, the FCC launched outreach campaigns to increase participation. If you know someone who could benefit from similar assistance, encourage them to explore Lifeline or other local programs.
Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)
Introduced in 2021, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) was created by the FCC to help low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offered:
- Monthly discounts of up to $50–$75 on internet service
- A one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet
The EBB officially ended on December 31, 2021, and was replaced by the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Free Internet Opportunities in New York City
Residents of NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties can qualify for Big Apple Connect, which provides free internet through Optimum or Spectrum.
- New customers can sign up for a free cable plan up to 300 Mbps.
- Existing customers can have their current internet bill reduced to $0 per month.
Commitments to Expanding Free Internet
As of May 31, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program has officially shut down due to lack of funding. While Congress has discussed new bills to reinstate it, funding has not yet been approved.
In May 2022, President Joe Biden announced that 20 major internet providers had agreed to offer high-speed internet for $30 or less to eligible low-income families. For households that qualified under the ACP, this meant getting high-speed internet at no cost.
These providers cover over 80% of the U.S. population, although availability can vary depending on location.
Providers with ACP Commitments
The following internet service providers (ISPs) have committed to offering affordable, high-speed internet plans (at $30 or less per month) for eligible households. You can check each provider’s website for the most up-to-date details and application options.
| Provider | Website |
|---|---|
| Allo Communications | Check Website |
| AltaFiber | Check Website |
| Hawaiian Telecom | Check Website |
| Optimum | Check Website |
| Astound Broadband | Check Website |
| AT&T | Check Website |
| Breezeline | Check Website |
| Xfinity | Check Website |
| Comporium | Check Website |
| Frontier | Check Website |
| IdeaTek | Check Website |
| Cox Communications | Check Website |
| Jackson Energy Authority | Check Website |
| Mediacom | Check Website |
| MLGC | Check Website |
| Spectrum | Check Website |
| Starry | Check Website |
| Verizon | Check Website |
| Vermont Telephone Company | Check Website |
| Vexus Fiber | Check Website |
| WOW! | Check Website |
Nongovernmental Programs That Help With Internet Access
Government programs aren’t the only way to get connected. Many nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) work to bridge the digital divide by offering free or low-cost internet, devices, and digital literacy training to families and individuals in need.
EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit dedicated to bringing internet access, affordable computers, and digital training to low-income households and underserved communities.
Their mission is to expand digital inclusion by creating social and economic opportunities through technology access.
EveryoneOn provides easy-to-use tools to help you find:
- Low-cost internet options
- Affordable computers
- Local digital literacy training programs
PCs for People
PCs for People focuses on refurbishing and redistributing computers to low-income individuals and nonprofit organizations. Internet connectivity is also a key part of their mission.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they began accepting Pell Grant documentation from college students impacted by campus closures to help them access affordable computers and internet for online learning.
Human-I-T
Human-I-T helps reduce electronic waste by repairing and repurposing old devices and providing them to those who can’t afford new technology.
Beyond offering low-cost computers and tablets, Human-I-T also connects people to free or discounted internet options and offers resources for digital education — empowering users to stay connected and informed while minimizing e-waste.
Devices for Students
Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on education, Devices for Students works to ensure every student has access to reliable computers and internet service for online learning.
The organization’s goal is to provide long-term access to technology so students can succeed in remote classes, complete assignments, and stay on track to graduate and pursue higher education.
Synergy Charity Services
Synergy Charity Services is a nonprofit that provides grants to low-income families to help cover internet costs. These grants are funded by donations and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are used.
The organization collaborates with any internet provider within the states it operates. If you think you might qualify, it’s worth checking their site for details and current application rounds.
More Ways to Get Free Internet
If nonprofit or government options don’t meet your needs, there are still other creative ways to access free or ultra-low-cost internet.
NetZero
NetZero offers a throwback option — free dial-up internet access. While dial-up speeds (28.8Kbps to 56Kbps) are extremely slow compared to modern broadband, it can still be useful for basic browsing, email, or research.
The free plan includes 10 hours of access per month. Though limited, it can help those who need simple, temporary connectivity without any monthly cost.
FreedomPop
FreedomPop provides completely free mobile and home internet service through its entry-level plans. Their free mobile plan offers:
- Speeds up to 1 Mbps
- Limited data usage
For light internet users, this can be a convenient option. For higher speeds and data (up to 25 Mbps), FreedomPop also offers affordable upgrade plans.
Mesh Networks
For the more tech-savvy or community-driven, mesh networks offer a sustainable, collaborative way to access the internet.
A mesh network connects multiple wireless routers (nodes) in a neighborhood, allowing devices to share connections among them. Instead of relying on one central ISP, each router passes along the signal to others within range.
While mesh networks can provide community-based free internet, they come with challenges — including slower speeds over long distances and potential security risks. Still, with growing interest in digital independence, they’re often seen as “the future of free internet access.”
Free Internet FAQ
If you’re looking for ways to get connected without breaking the bank, these frequently asked questions cover the best free and low-cost internet options available today — including government programs, ISP discounts, and other practical solutions.
How do I get free high-speed internet at home?
Most free or discounted internet plans from major providers offer speeds between 5 Mbps and 25 Mbps — fast enough for browsing, streaming music, and light video streaming.
To find the right option, first determine how much internet speed your household needs based on how many people and devices are connected.
How do I find free internet near me?
You can find free or low-cost internet programs from many major ISPs, including Xfinity, Cox, AT&T, Spectrum, Mediacom, and Optimum.
Some also provide public Wi-Fi hotspots in parks, libraries, and community centers that anyone can use for free.
How can I get free internet through the government?
The FCC’s Lifeline program offers discounted or no-cost internet for qualifying households.
You can visit the Lifeline Support website to check eligibility and apply.
For more detailed guidance, you can also explore resources on government programs for free and low-cost internet.
How can students get free internet?
Most low-income internet programs include families with school-age children, but Connect2Compete (offered by Cox and Mediacom) specifically supports students.
Many ISPs also run affordable internet plans for college students, which may include student discounts or device bundles. Check out dedicated student internet plans to see which fit your needs.
How can seniors and veterans get free internet?
Seniors and veterans may qualify for Lifeline if they receive Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits.
Additionally, programs like Comcast Internet Essentials and EveryoneOn provide affordable plans and digital literacy training to help seniors get online confidently.
What’s the difference between ACP and Lifeline?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has now ended, but Lifeline remains active.
Both programs helped low-income households afford internet access, but ACP offered:
- A higher monthly discount ($30–$75 vs. $9.25)
- Broader eligibility for participants in government assistance programs
Many ISPs designed ACP-specific plans that covered the full monthly bill, making internet service completely free while the program lasted.
How can I get free lifetime internet access?
While true lifetime free internet is rare, there are still ongoing options:
- NetZero offers limited free dial-up internet each month.
- FreedomPop provides free mobile and home internet with limited data.
- Mesh networks and initiatives like ConnectHomeUSA support community-based free internet projects, helping residents share connectivity long term.
How can I lower the cost of my current internet connection?
If you don’t qualify for a low-income program, you can still save money on your current plan by:
- Negotiating with your provider for a lower rate or new promotion
- Buying your own modem or router to avoid rental fees
- Downgrading to a plan that better matches your actual usage
- Checking for introductory offers or bundle discounts
