RoxanneWe’ll reveal where free government Wi-Fi will soon be available, as well as existing alternative programs that don’t cost a pretty penny.
Free Internet From the Government
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift towards Internet usage at home. Many students began learning virtually instead of in classrooms, and workers began to work from home as offices shuttered.
In addition to this shift, many people lost their jobs and income, leaving them with little money to afford Internet service. As such, the FCC recently announced its Emergency Broadband Benefit program to make the Internet more affordable.
If eligible for this benefit, you could receive $50 to $75 per month towards your Internet bill. In other words, you could end up paying nothing for Internet service, which would free up some room in your budget and allow you the online access necessary to study or work from home. Beyond that monthly benefit, this free government Wi-Fi program would also offer $100 to help you buy a computer.
As you can imagine, free Internet and money towards the purchase of a computer could help dramatically. Unfortunately, the Emergency Broadband Benefit isn’t live as of yet, so stay tuned, as it should be available soon.
Who will be eligible for this free Internet program from the government? Households that:
- Qualify for Lifeline.
- Have a child who receives reduced-price or free school breakfasts or lunches.
- Have a student who won a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Experienced extreme economic loss during the pandemic and make less than $99,000 for single or $198,000 for joint filers.
- Qualify for low-income Internet service from participating providers.
- Qualify for COVID-19 Internet programs.
Low-Income Internet Programs
These programs may not offer free Internet like the Emergency Broadband Benefit, but they could get you online for as little as $5 per month.
Access from AT&T
For $5 to $10 monthly, AT&T’s Access program offers 10 Mbps Internet if you currently receive SNAP benefits.
Altice Advantage Internet
30 Mbps Internet speeds for $14.99 per month are what Altice Advantage Internet offers for low-income households that participate in SSI or the National School Lunch Program or contain a veteran who receives public assistance. As a sign-up bonus, you’ll get your first two months of Internet for free.
Comcast Internet Essentials
Receive public assistance, and you could get 25 Mbps access from Comcast Internet Essentials for $9.95 per month with your first 60 days free.
Connect2Compete
Households with a child in grades K-12 participating in the National School Lunch Program can get Internet for $9.95 per month from Connect2Compete. Cox offers this program with speeds up to 50 Mbps, while 25 Mbps is what you’ll get via Mediacom.
Internet First
Your first 60 days free, speeds up to 50 Mbps, and $9.95 per month are the highlights of Internet First’s program. You’ll need to receive public assistance to qualify.
Lifeline
Making less than 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or receiving public assistance makes you eligible for the FCC’s Lifeline program. With it, you can get a $9.95 discount on your monthly phone or Internet service.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Receive public assistance, and Spectrum Internet Assist will offer you 30 Mbps speeds for $14.99 per month.
