How to get free or low-cost internet

If you're struggling with the cost of internet, you might be able to find assistance to lower your monthly internet bill. Some internet service providers (ISPs) offer low-cost internet to qualifying customers. Typically, you have to already be enrolled in government assistance programs or meet certain income requirements.

Now that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended due to a lack of federal funds, getting free internet is trickier. But Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T and Verizon all offer affordable internet services for those who meet low-income requirements. Nonprofits and other government programs may also offer assistance.

Here are some tips to help you find affordable internet plans and updates on government assistance programs.

Best options for low-cost internet

The following internet providers and plans offer low-cost internet options for customers who meet specific requirements.

Internet provider assistance for free internet

Here's a deeper dive into available plans and how to qualify for them.

Xfinity Internet Essentials – $14.95 per month

Comcast does not offer free internet, but there are two lower-cost Xfinity Internet Essentials plans. Xfinity provides the modem and wireless router at no additional cost. 

• Xfinity Internet Essentials: $14.95 per month for 75 Mbps.
• Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus: $29.95 per month for 100 Mbps.

Xfinity Internet Essentials plan availability will depend on where you live. The internet speeds in the plans above should allow you to browse the internet, shoot off emails and stream your favorite shows with little to no lag.

Qualifications: You need to already be a participant in government assistance plans, like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You'll also need to live in a coverage area, not have Xfinity service, or have past-due Xfinity bills in the last year.

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 – $25 to $30 per month

Spectrum offers two low-cost plans: Internet Assist and Internet Advantage.

• Spectrum Internet Assist: $25 per month for 50 Mbps with a free modem. The Assist plan also has discounts for qualifying customers, which can potentially get the price down to $15 per month.
• The Advantage plan: $30 per month for 100 Mbps with a free modem.

Qualifications: You or someone in your household will need to already be a participant in the NSLP (or the Community Eligibility Provision) or get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How to apply: Apply online for Spectrum Internet Assist.

Access from AT&T– $15 to $30 per month

Access from AT&T costs $15 to $30 per month. AT&T offers two affordable internet plans for qualifying customers, but like all plans, availability varies based on where you live.

• $15 per month for under 50 Mbps.
• $30 per month for up to 100 Mbps. 

Qualifications: Already a participant in SNAP or NSLP or receive SSI (CA only), and meet the household income qualifications.

How to apply: You can apply online to see if you qualify for Access from AT&T.

Verizon Forward – $20 per month

Verizon works with Lifeline to offer its affordable Verizon Forward plans.

• Verizon Fios: $20 per month for 300 Mbps

If you are eligible, you may be able to get a Verizon Forward discount on the following plans:

• 5G Home
• 5G Home Plus
• LTE Home
• LTE Home Plus
• Fios 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gig or 2 Gig residential internet

Verizon Fios fiber-optic connections require a $99 setup charge. 

Qualifications: You must qualify for Lifeline and be enrolled in a government program like SNAP, Medicaid or others or have received a Federal Pell Grant within the last 12 months. You can only get one discount per household and eligibility varies by location.  

How to apply: Apply online for Verizon Forward.

Assurance Wireless – Free to $10 per year

Assurance Wireless doesn't offer home Wi-Fi, but it does provide eligible customers with free monthly data, text and minutes. You can use the smartphone you already have or purchase a low-cost one. Your smartphone can be used as a hotspot to connect to the other Wi-Fi devices in your home. Just keep in mind, using a Mobile Hotspot drains your monthly data. You can also upgrade your plan and pay $10 a year for up to 2 GBs of data.

Qualifications: You'll need to qualify for the government program Lifeline. To qualify for Assurance Wireless free plans with Lifeline, you'll have to meet income requirements and be a participant of a government assistance program, like SNAP, SSI, WIC, Medicaid and more. Lifeline allows one free Assurance Wireless plan per household. 

How to apply: Apply online for free mobile internet with Assurance Wireless.

Government assistance for free internet

The availability of free and low-cost broadband internet is up in the air due to pauses in federal funding. The ACP ended due to a lack of funds, and the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is currently under review by the Department of Commerce.

There are a few remaining programs that may be able to assist you if you are struggling to pay for the internet.

Current programs

• The Lifeline federal government program helps lower the monthly cost of internet by $9.25 per month. To qualify, you'll need to already be a participant in government assistance programs and meet income requirements. You can apply for Lifeline online.
• Find Help is an organization that collaborates with government agencies, community programs and nonprofits to those who need support. To find affordable internet, go to the website and enter your ZIP code. You can then click "housing" and "help pay for housing." You should then be able to click "help pay for internet or phone." 

Other ways to get free or low-cost internet access

It's a good idea to look into local and grassroots organizations in your area. There are many programs and nonprofits available doing on-the-ground work to make internet and other digital products more accessible.

Here are some resources to look into:

• EveryoneOn: Helps under-resourced communities access affordable internet, computers and digital training courses. You can enter your ZIP code on the website to find low-cost offers where you live.
• Human-I-T: Aims to lower the digital divide by providing communities with low-cost internet, devices, training and more. You can sign up for membership and get unlimited LTE for $14.99 a month.
• PCs for People: A nonprofit working to get low-cost internet and computers to qualifying households. They offer fixed wireless internet options from $10 to $15 per month to eligible participants.

Free or low-cost internet programs for veterans

• AT&T: 25% discount on AT&T Wireless plans for veterans, military personnel, nurses, physicians and teachers.
• Verizon: $5 to $15 off monthly if you qualify for the military discount.
• Xfinity: $180 prepaid card for active and retired military members, veterans or family members living in the same household.

Free or low-cost internet programs for seniors

• If you're a senior who participates in government programs like SSI, you may qualify for affordable internet through providers like Xfinity, AT&T, and Verizon. 
• Reach out to internet providers in your area to see what the requirements are to qualify for senior discounts.

Free internet FAQs

Is there a way to get free internet?

With the ACP ending, it's harder to find free internet, but you may be able to find free or low-cost coverage through the Lifeline program. Many providers, like Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon, and more, offer affordable internet to low-income families that meet eligibility requirements.

Will the government pay for my internet for free?

No, the ACP ended in 2024. That said, you may be able to find low-cost internet through providers, especially if you are already enrolled in a government assistance program like SNAP, SSI or Medicaid.

Can you get free Wi-Fi without the internet?

Yes, you can get free Wi-Fi if you go to a place that offers it. Libraries, coffee shops and restaurants often have complimentary Wi-Fi if you ask.

Will another program replace the ACP?

There is currently no plan to replace the ACP. Lifeline offers discounts on internet and phone services. Many providers also offer low-cost internet plan to eligible customers.

How can I lower the cost of my current internet connection?

You can lower your internet bill by lowering your internet speed, getting rid of add-ons and buying your own router or modem. Reach out to your provider if you feel your bill is too high. They may offer you a loyalty discount if you've been a customer for several years. You can also look into switching your internet provider—many offer promotional new customer discounts.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe and Hannah Whatley, Allconnect