When the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) wraps up its run with subsidies in May 2024, millions of Americans will be figuring out how to stay connected on their dime—the same way tens of millions did before internet bills became manageable due to monthly support.
Other options exist to keep costs down, as the ACP helped 23 million households with monthly subsidies of $30 or $75 for those on Tribal lands. But, if you need affordable internet, there are still resources and plans for you to remain connected. Read on for alternatives and how to pay less on your internet bill.
Checking eligibility for low-income plans
A handful of internet providers specialize in offering discounted plans to eligible customers, and choosing the right one can have a big impact on those who cannot afford to live on the other side of the great divide for long.
- Access from AT&T: Currently, speeds up to 100 Mbps are available through AT&T at a monthly $30 internet plan. There are no contracts or equipment fees, and it comes with a free Wi-Fi access point as part of this plan. Household income or participation in federal assistance programs, including SNAP, SSI, or NSLP, determine eligibility for qualifying. Or if you are a family of four in 2024, earning $62,400 or less yearly.
- Cox Connect2Compete: If you’re a family with K-12 students, Cox’s Connect2Compete budget program currently runs only $10 monthly (up to 100 Mbps) with no contracts or hidden fees. To qualify for this program, a family member(s) must participate (i.e., eligible) for NSLP, SNAP, and/or public housing assistance.
- Optimum Advantage Internet: 50 Mbps is available with Optimum for $15 per month with the equipment and deposit fee. But to qualify, the sort of person usually has to be a family member enrolled in an assistance program such as NSLP, SSI, Medicaid, or a veteran receiving public assistance.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: For just $10 per month and speeds up to 50 Mbps, Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan lets you easily get online and offers a discounted laptop. Like with other programs, eligibility comes from having a hand in SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance.
Additional savings tips for affordable internet
If you want to save, there shouldn’t be federal subsidies to help, but you can save even without them by looking into local resources and negotiating with a provider.
Libraries, community centers, and schools
Internet access normally goes unused in most local libraries and community centers. Many cities have free Wi-Fi available at libraries and may have them lend out cellular Wi-Fi hotspots temporarily. These hotspots’ free connectivity is a bonus if you only need internet occasionally or want to fill a minor movement gap.
Public Wi-Fi is also available in community centers and schools, which run programs to help locals hook up to low-cost or free internet. Other organizations will also assist low-income residents in finding affordable devices. If you live in an area without such resources, you may want to call around or check your city’s website to see if they are.
Mobile hotspots and MVNO options
If you use the internet lightly, some cheap Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Mint Mobile, Tello, and Wing will maintain you to $5 a month for low data plans. These are great for checking emails, messaging someone, or visiting social media without depleting your data.
MVNOs usually operate over the same networks as the big guys but at a vastly lower cost. They can be a great solution as a backup home internet option or in cases where you don’t require much data.
Buy your modem and router
If you’re paying monthly fees for equipment, you might want to buy your modem or router. Internet providers often charge rental fees, which add up. Investing in your equipment will help you save money in the long run. Look for compatible options online or on your provider’s website.
Negotiate with your ISP
And sometimes, the quickest call you can make is to your internet provider in hopes of landing a better deal. These days, many ISPs would rather go with lower rates than lose customers, so call and inquire about discounts, loyalty programs, or lower-cost packages. If you’re just in the cable TV and internet market, look for bundled services that are often less expensive than individual services. Comparison sites like HighSpeedInternet help you find current deals in your area.
Alternative low-cost programs
Other programs like Lifeline might give you a break on internet costs if you aren’t on specific provider plans. Low-income households can get a $9.25 monthly discount to pay their home internet or mobile phone bills with Lifeline. To be eligible, you must meet specific income levels or be enrolled in a federal assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, etc.
Likewise, look for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which funds cheap internet in less sparsely connected areas. Although it’s still being developed and is unlikely to be deployed until next year, BEAD intends to expand options and make broadband cheaper for all Americans, at least in rural areas.
However, with these options and strategies, we believe it is still possible for many households to have affordable internet access. Staying connected doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, whether you’re exploring local resources, searching for eligibility for a discount program, or learning how to negotiate lower costs.
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