In an effort to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion, 20 internet providers have pledged to offer discounted fees for low-income Americans. This initiative, which has garnered support from the White House, aims to make affordable internet access accessible to those who need it most. By reducing financial barriers, this program opens up a world of opportunities for individuals and families who may have previously struggled to afford internet connectivity.
Summary of the Program: Under this program, eligible low-income individuals and families can apply for discounted internet services from participating providers. The criteria for eligibility and the application process vary depending on the provider, but the overarching goal is to make affordable internet access available to those with limited financial resources. By reducing the cost burden, more individuals can enjoy the benefits and opportunities that come with reliable internet connectivity.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program is designed to make broadband more accessible and affordable for households. This program offers a monthly discount of up to $30 for eligible households, ensuring they can afford reliable internet service for work, school, healthcare, and more.
For households on qualifying Tribal lands, the discount can be up to $75 per month. Additionally, eligible households have the opportunity to receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers, provided they contribute between $10 and $50 towards the purchase price.
This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals and families with the tools and connectivity they need to thrive in the digital age.
Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program;
- Participates in one of these assistance programs:
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Housing Assistance, including:
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- or Lifeline;
- Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
As part of this initiative, 20 internet companies have committed to reducing their rates for eligible consumers, covering areas where 80% of the U.S. population resides, including 50% of rural communities. In addition, participating companies are offering discounted rates of $75 in tribal lands, matching the subsidy provided by the federal government in those areas.
This concerted effort aims to ensure affordable internet access reaches a significant portion of the population, fostering connectivity and bridging the digital divide.
List of Participating Internet Providers
These internet service providers offer a high-speed internet plan for $30 per month or less. If you apply your ACP benefit to one of these plans, you will have no out-of-pocket cost for internet.
- Allo Communications
- altaFiber (and Hawaiian Telcom)
- Altice (Optimum)
- Astound
- AT&T
- Breezeline
- Comcast
- Comporium
- Cox Communications
- Frontier
- IdeaTek
- Jackson Energy Authority
- MediacomCable – Affordable Connectivity Program
- MLGC
- Spectrum (Charter Communications)*
- Starry
- Verizon (Fios only)
- Vermont Telephone Company
- Vexus Fiber
- Wow! Internet, Cable and TV
Choosing the Right Internet Plan
Once you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, it’s time to consider which internet provider suits your needs. With 20 participating companies nationwide, you have the freedom to select the provider that works best for you. Begin by checking the availability of providers in your area to narrow down your options.
Next, take your budget into account. Are you aiming for a $0 monthly internet bill? In that case, you may need to opt for a plan offering 100 Mbps speeds. If faster speeds are a priority, explore more affordable plans where you can apply the $30 discount. While your high-speed plan won’t be entirely free, it will still come at a significantly reduced cost thanks to the ACP incentive.
Compare Internet Providers and Plans Online
If you’re facing financial constraints and struggling to afford internet services, find out if you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible individuals or households may enjoy high-speed internet services at no cost. To find a plan that aligns with your needs and budget, conduct an online search to compare offerings from different providers.
Take advantage of online resources to learn more about the ACP. Explore eligibility requirements and the sign-up process with a quick search. Thanks to this groundbreaking initiative, millions of people can now access the internet and its essential services at an affordable price.
Free Internet Options
Eligible applicants now have the opportunity to enjoy free internet services from major providers nationwide. As part of the affordability initiative, providers are offering an average of 100 Mbps internet at a cost of $30 or less. By selecting these cost-effective plans and applying the $30 discount, you can access high-speed internet completely free of charge.
Here are some of the providers offering free internet options:
- AT&T (Up to 100 Mbps internet)
- Allo Communications (100 Mbps internet)
- Comporium (100 Mbps x 100 Mbps Fiber internet or 100 x 3 Mbps Cable Modem internet)
- Frontier (100 Mbps Fiber internet)
- IdeaTek (Plans up to 100 Mbps available)
- MLGC (100/20 Mbps internet plan)
- Verizon (300 Mbps Fios internet)
- Vermont Telephone Company (Up to 100 Mbps internet)
- Vexus Fiber
- Breezeline (100/10 Mbps internet)
- WOW! Internet (Internet 100 plan)
Take advantage of these offerings to access reliable and fast internet services without any cost implications.
Impact and Benefits
The impact of affordable internet access for low-income Americans cannot be overstated. It opens doors to educational resources, job opportunities, healthcare services, and vital communication channels. With internet access, students can complete homework and access educational materials, empowering them to thrive academically.
Job seekers can search for employment opportunities and participate in online training programs. Telehealth services become more accessible, allowing individuals to consult with healthcare professionals remotely. This initiative aims to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for all.
The commitment of 20 internet providers to discount fees for low-income Americans, supported by the White House, marks a milestone in the pursuit of digital inclusion. By making internet access more affordable, this program aims to address the disparities that have limited access to essential online resources.
Through this initiative, individuals and families will have the opportunity to explore educational opportunities, seek employment, access healthcare services, and engage with the digital world. It is a significant stride towards a more equitable and connected society.
FAQs
How can you access government-provided free internet?
The FCC Lifeline program offers reduced-cost or even no-cost internet access to eligible individuals. To determine your eligibility and apply for the program, visit the Lifeline Support site. For a comprehensive review of government programs offering free or low-cost internet, explore our detailed analysis.
How can students access free internet?
Most of the aforementioned programs are available to low-income families with school-age children. In particular, the Connect2Compete program focuses on providing free or reduced-cost internet specifically for students. Cox and Mediacom are among the participating ISPs in the Connect2Compete program.
Affordable internet programs for college-age students are also available through various internet service providers. To learn more about these programs, refer to our guide on the best internet plans for students.
How can seniors and veterans access free internet?
Seniors who participate in the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit can access free internet through the FCC Lifeline program. Additionally, several programs such as Comcast Internet Essentials and EveryoneOn offer free or affordable training courses for seniors, along with internet access options.