With time, high-speed internet has become as crucial as any other utility at home. While many public and private organizations are expanding their internet services in all parts of the US, Affordable Connectivity Program has made it easier to get free access to broadband internet.
However, you may find it difficult to search for an internet connection at discounted prices or free of cost. Therefore, we are here to help you find the best free and low-cost internet connection available in your area.
On May 9, 2022, President Biden claimed that eligible households can make use of high-speed internet for as low as $30 per month. Up to 20 internet providers in the US made these internet offers for eligible people. Since the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) covers $30 per month for low-income families who need access to the internet, you will get internet at no cost by subscribing to an internet plan by the best internet providers:
- AT&T
- Optimum
- Astound
- Suddenlink
- Cox Communications
- Xfinity
AT&T Internet
AT&T gives free access to its data plans for specific school-issued tablets. These plans can be used for up to 60 days. With total funds up to $10 million, it supports people who prefer virtual learning. In addition, it offers telehealth services for free for 60 days. These services are targeted at its various clients, including hospitals.
AT&T allows families to take part in its Access program if they are eligible for the following programs:
- Head Start
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Optimum Internet
Optimum has launched its Advantage Internet program for those who can’t afford to pay hefty internet bills every month. With speeds up to 50 Mbps, you will get access to a fast internet connection at an affordable price as low as $14.99 per month. In addition, you will get free installation, free Wi-Fi router, no annual contracts, and no data caps.
Once you have qualified for Optimum Advantage Internet, you can get free internet by qualifying for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Cox Internet
Cox offers its Connect2Complete program to help low-income families needing internet for in-home learning. With download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps, students can access course material without any hassle. You can also find Cox Wi-Fi hotspots in many outdoor locations in the US to stay connected no matter where you are!
Free Hotspots
Many ISPs have made it easier to connect to the internet by offering free Wi-Fi hotspots in various public places, such as parks, shopping malls, train stations, etc. So, if you have already subscribed to an ISP that offers low-cost internet, you can connect to its Wi-Fi hotspots outside your home as well.
Government Programs for Low-Cost Internet
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers $30 per month for low-income households to pay their internet bills every month. In some areas, it provides up to $75 per month. If you are confused about whether you qualify for an ACP or not, here is a checklist for you to determine how eligible you are:
- One person in your household has received a Pell Grant or receives assistance through WIC or SNAP
- One of your family members is eligible for low-income programs by internet providers or qualifies for the Lifeline Program
- One member of your family is approved for the School Breakfast Program (SBP) or National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
How to Get Cheap Internet near Me?
If you have explored the above mentioned programs but you don’t qualify for any of them, you can find free internet in the following ways. You just need to type out “cheap internet near me” on your search engine!
Lifeline Support Program
If you are wondering, “Where can I find cheap internet near me?”, then we recommend you to check out Lifeline Support Program. It allows low-income households to subscribe to plans by Mediacom, Xfinity, AT&T, Cox, and Spectrum internet at pocket-friendly prices. This way, you can choose internet plans at as low as $9.95 per month.
Here are some of the cheapest internet plans you can get for less than $10 per month:
| Internet Plan | Price | Features |
| Cox Connect2Compete | $9.95 per month | Fast download speeds of up to 25 Mbps
Up to 3 Mbps of upload speeds No annual contract |
| Xfinity Internet Essentials | $9.95 per month | Fast download speeds of up to 25 Mbps
No equipment fee No annual contract |
| Mediacom Connect2Compete | $9.95 per month | Up to 25 Mbps download speeds
No installation fee No annual contract |
Free Wi-Fi Networks
You can find free Wi-Fi hotspots in many areas across the US. For example, different retailers may provide access to free Wi-Fi hotspots to attract more customers. Similarly, if you have a library near your home, you can do your online work by connecting to its free Wi-Fi network.
Closing Thoughts
It’s easy to find free Wi-Fi in public spaces. But if you are looking for low-cost internet, check out some of the most affordable internet plans at BuyTVInternetPhone. You will find various ISPs that offer high-speed internet at pocket-friendly prices, without any installation fee. In addition, these ISPs may waive equipment charges for new customers. This way, you can make the most out of these internet plans without compromising on speed and quality.