Free & Low-Income Internet Options You May Qualify For

Finding out whether you’re eligible for discounted or free Internet service usually takes some digging. Luckily, we did the work for you.

The most common way for low-income families to take advantage of free or discounted Internet is to enroll in one of the federal government-sponsored programs. Most providers participate in at least one program, and some even offer low-income discounts of their own.

Below, we share some of the top Internet service providers (ISPs) throughout the country and which low-income discounts they offer. If you don’t see your ISP listed below, give them a call — you’d be surprised by what might be available if you just ask!

Federal Internet Programs for Low-Income Families & Individuals

There are multiple government assistance programs that offer significant Internet discounts to those who qualify.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program devoted to low-income households throughout the U.S. However, instead of focusing solely on Internet service, the Lifeline program provides monthly discounts for phone service, broadband Internet, and phone/broadband Internet bundles. Qualified applicants can receive a discount of up to $9.25 for their service. If you live on Tribal lands, you can receive a discount of up to $34.25.

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you must participate in certain federal assistance programs. If you're not sure if you qualify, take a moment to review the Lifeline requirements.

Internet Providers That May Offer Low-Income Options

Here’s a list of the ISPs we partner with and the low-income Internet options they offer.

Armstrong

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Outside of participating in the government assistance programs, Armstrong does not offer any additional low-income options. However, the most affordable Internet plan is as low as $35/month.

Cox

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Other Discounts: Yes

Cox provides several options for low-income households. One of the best options out there is Cox’s Connect2Compete program. The program offers low-cost Internet access and WiFi to households with K-12 students for only $9.95/month. Without any discounts, Cox’s most affordable plan is around $71/month.

GCI

Lifeline Discount: Only available for mobile phone service

GCI participates in the Lifeline program, but currently only offers the discount for phone service, not for Internet access. While there are no dedicated low-income Internet programs available at this time, GCI encourages customers to reach out directly to ask about any current promotions or special offers that may apply to their situation.

MCTV

Lifeline Discount: No

Other Discounts: Yes

MCTV offers MCTV Internet Connect. This program was designed to provide Internet access to low-income families with K-12 students. If you qualify, you can get Internet with 25 Mbps of download speed, no data caps, and optional in-home WiFi service for $10.95/month.

Mediacom

Lifeline Discount: No

Other Discounts: Yes

Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program makes it easy and affordable for eligible households to stay online. For just $14.99 per month, qualifying families can access high-speed Internet with download speeds up to 100 Mbps.

Optimum

Lifeline Discount: No

Optimum provides affordable broadband service for just $14.99 a month to eligible seniors, families, and veterans. This way it’s easier to stay connected without stretching your budget!

Sparklight

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Sparklight currently participates in the Lifeline federal assistance program, which offers a monthly discount to eligible low-income households to help make Internet service more affordable. While Sparklight doesn’t offer a separate, in-house low-income discount, its Internet plans still start at just $39/month, making it a budget-friendly option for many families.

It’s important to know that if you're in an area that was served by Hargray or Fidelity, both providers are now part of the Sparklight family, so you may have access to the same Internet plans and Lifeline benefits!

Spectrum

Lifeline Discount: Yes

Other Discounts: Yes

Along with the Lifeline benefits, Spectrum also offers a low-income Internet option called Internet Assist. This offering features high-speed Internet, a free modem, and no data caps.

Xfinity (Comcast)

Lifeline Discount: No

Other Discounts: Yes

Xfinity offers its Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus programs. If you qualify for Internet Essentials, you could receive Internet service for just $14.95/month. Internet Essentials Plus offers faster service for only $29.95/month. Both tiers of the Internet Essentials program also come with the option to buy a new laptop for just $149.99.

Common Federal Programs That May Help You Qualify for Internet & TV Discounts

Many Internet and TV providers offer discounted services to individuals and families who participate in certain federal assistance programs. If you’re enrolled in one of the programs below, you may be eligible for reduced-cost Internet, TV packages, or equipment savings:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Head Start (only households meeting income-qualifying standard)
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) – Free or Reduced Lunch
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
• Tribal-specific programs, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) (varies by provider)

What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

If you’ve noticed your Internet bill has gone up in the last year, you’re not alone, and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) might be the reason why. The ACP was a federal program that helped millions of households get online by offering a discount, up to $30 a month (or $75 on Tribal lands), to help cover Internet costs. It also provided a one-time discount to help folks buy a computer or tablet.

Unfortunately, the funding for the ACP ran out. The program was part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and came with a budget of $14.2 billion. That money helped over 23 million people stay connected, but by early 2024, the funds started to dry up. New sign-ups stopped in February, and by June 1, 2024, the discounts officially ended.

The good news? There are still other ways to save! Programs like Lifeline and low-cost Internet plans offered by many providers are still out there to help you stay connected without stretching your budget.

Find the Perfect Internet Plan With SmartMove

While the list above is helpful for anyone seeking out low-income deals, the best way to uncover special offers and deals is to contact the provider directly! There may be additional offers you’re unaware of that could help you save money.

Not sure which Internet providers are available in your area? SmartMove makes it easy to explore and compare all your Internet options.