4 Totally Legal Ways To Get Discounted and Free Internet at Home

Having access to the Internet used to be a luxury. Now, whether you need a strong Internet connection for work, school, telehealth, entertainment, or socializing, reliable high-speed Internet is a necessity. Despite this universal need and the various connection types available, many low-income households continue to suffer from a digital divide.

The good news is that there are many programs, apps, and strategies that can help you and your family get the free or low-cost Internet service you deserve.

Four Legal Ways To Get Free or Low-Income Internet

There are several free options on the market for accessing home Internet for those who qualify. Here are four of the most common ways to get discounted and free, legal home WiFi and Internet.

1. Free Public WiFi

There are countless free public WiFi hotspots across the country. They’re available in local libraries, coffee shops, bus stations, community centers, and more.

However, you should always be cautious when using unsecured public WiFi networks. Connecting through a VPN or avoiding sensitive transactions (like online banking) helps protect your personal information from possible cyberattacks.

2. Free and Discounted WiFi For Select Groups

While free and low-cost Internet programs are available nationwide, some initiatives are tailored specifically to meet the needs of certain groups, such as students, seniors, and veterans. Each of these groups faces unique challenges when it comes to digital access and literacy, and there are specialized programs and resources designed to bridge those gaps.

1. Internet for Students

Students of all ages, from elementary learners to college students, can access free or discounted Internet access through a range of school-, government-, and provider-based programs.

Here are some of the most popular and effective options:

• Connect2Compete (Cox Communications): Offers low-cost Internet service starting at $9.95/month for families with K–12 students who participate in government assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Head Start, or public housing.
• Xfinity Internet Essentials (Comcast): Provides Internet service for around $14.95/month to eligible households, plus options for discounted laptops and computers.
• Spectrum Internet Assist: Offers speeds up to 50 Mbps for qualifying households with K–12 students or seniors receiving Supplemental Security Income.
• School and District Partnerships: Many public and charter schools partner with local Internet providers to distribute free WiFi hotspots or prepaid data plans for in-home use.

Most universities and colleges now provide free high-speed WiFi across campuses, dormitories, and student housing. Some even offer connectivity stipends or device lending programs for remote learning. Students attending community colleges or online institutions should check with their school’s financial aid office to see if they work with participating programs.

2. Internet for Seniors

Older adults, particularly those living on a fixed income, can access discounted broadband service through several long-standing programs. The Lifeline Program remains one of the most accessible options, providing monthly discounts on phone or Internet service for qualifying seniors.

Common options for seniors include:

• Lifeline: Offers up to $9.25/month off broadband or bundled phone + Internet service for qualifying seniors.
• AARP Foundation Partnerships: These nonprofit efforts help seniors find low-cost Internet and affordable computer devices, along with technical education and digital literacy classes.
• Local Community Centers & Libraries: Many libraries and senior centers host free digital literacy workshops, provide WiFi hotspots, or let you borrow tablets and laptops through state technology access programs.

3. Internet for Veterans

Veterans and active-duty military members may qualify for several free or discounted Internet options, often overlapping with federal programs like Lifeline. Some Internet providers offer exclusive pricing as part of their commitment to serve the military community.

Available programs and resources include:

• Lifeline: Eligible veterans can use both programs to significantly lower or even eliminate their monthly Internet bills. Participation in VA benefits programs, SNAP, or Medicaid often qualifies for enrollment.
• Provider Discounts:
  • Not only does Spectrum offer discounts for the military community, they were also named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Veterans three years in a row. Explore their latest military offers here.
  • AT&T Military Discount Program gives active-duty service members, veterans, and their families up to 25% off phone and Internet packages.
  • Verizon Military Discounts offer savings on wireless and home Internet services for veterans and active service members.
  • T-Mobile Magenta Military Plan includes home Internet discounts and bonus streaming perks.
  • For a full list of military offers from providers that SmartMove partners with, check out our military resource page.
• VA Resources: Many VA medical centers and veteran resource hubs have installed free public WiFi for patients and families, helping veterans access telehealth services, benefits information, and online training tools.

3. Free and Nonprofit Internet Programs

Beyond the options above, some national and community-based organizations work to bridge the digital divide:

• EveryoneOn: A nonprofit that partners with Internet service providers (ISPs) to offer affordable Internet (starting as low as $10/month) and low-cost refurbished computers. Anyone can visit everyoneon.org to check eligibility by ZIP code.
• Human-I-T: Provides refurbished devices and subsidized Internet connections to low-income families, veterans, and nonprofits.
• PCs for People: Offers low-cost Internet and computers to individuals who meet income qualifications.
• NetZero: NetZero offers up to 10 free hours of dial-up Internet access each month. One caveat is that you must have an active landline phone in your home. In terms of Internet reliability, dial-up will be much slower than you’re used to, so this may be a last-resort option, but, in a crunch, NetZero can help.

These programs specialize in helping customers who don’t meet certain provider or government criteria, making technology more accessible to those in underserved communities.

4. Use Your Phone as a Hotspot

Technically, this isn’t a completely free Internet service, as it requires a connected cell phone. However, if you don’t have Internet access at home, but you do have a data plan on your mobile phone, you can use it as a hotspot.

Keep in mind that if you don’t have an unlimited data plan on your phone, using a mobile hotspot could significantly increase your monthly phone bill.

Comparison Chart: Free and Low-Cost Internet Options

Choosing the right free or discounted Internet program can be confusing, especially since each option has different eligibility rules, speed ranges, and benefits. We’ve provided the chart below to compare some of the most widely available programs across government, nonprofit, and Internet provider initiatives.

Pros and Cons of Free Home Internet

Free Internet access can be a game-changer, especially in areas where access is limited. However, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of these free Internet programs before using them.

• Pros: Free and low-cost Internet services offered by participating providers can help save a lot of money on your Internet bill. Plus, many of the programs extend into rural areas where traditional broadband services are unavailable.
• Cons: Free plans usually have limited speeds, data caps, and strict eligibility requirements. Plus, not all programs are available everywhere.

Find an Affordable Internet Provider Near You

Some of these options can provide significant support to those with less access to reliable Internet connectivity.

If you don’t qualify for free or discounted plans or you need faster speeds, there are still affordable Internet options. SmartMove can help you find the best Internet providers in your area.

FAQs About Free Home Internet

Will the Government Pay for My Internet?

Yes, depending on your circumstances, the government may pay up to $30/month for your Internet service. If you live on tribal lands or in a high-cost area, support payments can be as high as $75/month.

Is There an App That Gives You Free WiFi?

There aren’t any free apps that provide free WiFi. However, there are plenty of apps that help you find free WiFi networks all around the globe. A few of the most popular apps are:

• WiFi Map (Apple, Google Play)
• WiFi Finder (Apple, Google Play)

How reliable are free Internet programs?

Internet reliability depends on the provider and technology used. Broadband connections offered through programs like Lifeline are generally as stable as regular Internet service because they use the same infrastructure. Free public hotspots, however, can experience inconsistent speeds and connectivity depending on traffic and range.

Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still available?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended. The FCC stopped accepting new applications in February 2024, and the program's funding ran out in May 2024.

If you were an ACP participant, your monthly Internet discount expired when the program concluded. Many Internet providers now offer their own low-income or discounted Internet plans to help customers who previously relied on the ACP.

You can still get support through other programs like Lifeline, or through nonprofit organizations such as EveryoneOn, PCs for People, and Human-I-T, which continue to help households access affordable Internet service.

How long does it take to apply for government Internet assistance?

The application process for programs like Lifeline typically takes between 5-10 minutes online via the National Verifier or provider enrollment portals. Most applicants receive approval in less than a week.

Which federal programs can help me qualify for free or discounted Internet?

Several federal assistance programs can make you automatically eligible for free or reduced-cost Internet through initiatives. If you or someone in your household participates in any of the following, you may qualify:

Income-Based Programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Also known as food stamps, SNAP helps low-income households purchase groceries.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Assists seniors and people with disabilities.
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA): Housing support for low-income families.
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension Benefits: Aid for eligible veterans and surviving family members.
• Tribal-Specific Programs: Such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

Education & School-Based Programs:

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP): Grants eligibility for programs like Cox Connect2Compete or Spectrum Internet Assist.
• Head Start: Early education support for children from qualifying households.
• Federal Pell Grant (for college students): Can make higher education students eligible for broadband discounts.

Once you confirm participation in one or more of these federal programs, applying for Internet assistance becomes much easier. Many ISPs and nonprofits automatically use these existing verifications to qualify applicants quickly, often without requiring additional proof of income.

Pro Tip Keep documentation or electronic proof of your participation (award letters, benefits statements, or enrollment confirmations). You’ll need these when applying for Lifeline, ACP, or any provider-based low-income Internet program.

What Internet speeds can I expect from free or low-cost plans?

Speeds vary based on your provider and plan:

• Entry-level discount plans often range from 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps, ideal for web browsing and video streaming.

Higher-tier subsidized plans can provide up to 100 Mbps or more, suitable for multi-user households.