Home internet has shifted from a convenience to a practical necessity over the past decade. Job applications, telehealth appointments, school assignments, and government benefit applications all increasingly require reliable internet access. For households already stretched thin, a $70 to $100 monthly internet bill is a significant expense. Several programs exist to reduce or eliminate this cost for qualifying households.
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended, but alternatives remain
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided up to $30 a month toward internet costs for eligible households, ended in mid-2024 when funding ran out. However, several of the major internet providers that participated in ACP have maintained their own low-income programs, some as a result of commitments made during the program and some as standalone offerings.
Comcast Internet Essentials
Comcast offers Internet Essentials to households with at least one member participating in a qualifying government assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or the National School Lunch Program. The service provides internet speeds sufficient for most household needs at around $9.95 per month, with periodic promotional periods offering it free for new customers. Equipment is available at a discounted price or through no-interest financing. Eligible customers can apply online or by calling Comcast directly.
AT&T Access
AT&T offers a low-cost internet program called Access for households that participate in SNAP or other qualifying programs. Pricing is typically $10 to $30 per month depending on available speeds in your area. The program is available in AT&T service areas. Check eligibility on the AT&T website by entering your address to see what is offered at your location.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Spectrum offers Internet Assist to households with students enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or with members aged 65 or older who receive SSI. The service is typically around $17.99 per month with no contract and no data caps. Spectrum covers a wide geographic area and this program is available throughout their service footprint.
Local and state programs
Many states and municipalities launched their own internet subsidy programs during the ACP period and some have continued them with local funding. Cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have their own programs. Searching your city or county name along with "low-cost internet program" will surface any local options. Some public libraries also offer free hotspot lending programs that provide mobile internet access for households without home service.
How to check what you qualify for
The fastest way to find current options is to check the websites of the major providers that serve your address and look specifically for their low-income programs, then compare with any local municipal programs. EveryoneOn.org is a nonprofit that maintains a database of low-cost internet offers by location and is worth checking as a starting point.
The programs change frequently as funding and provider commitments evolve. Checking directly with providers every few months is worth doing if your situation or the available programs have changed.