How To Get Free & Low-Cost Internet Access
Summary
Cost is a real barrier to Internet access in millions of home. Now, however, the Federal government has programs and money available to help those in need. Here's how to qualify and find a local Internet provider.
To use computers fully, owners must have reliable, high-speed, Internet access. For reasons of cost and location, millions of Americans live without Internet connections. Now, however, the federal government is spending billions of dollars to extend Internet service.
Speaking at the White House in May 2022 to announce the Affordable Connectivity Program, President Biden said, “high-speed Internet is not a luxury any longer, it’s a necessity. “And that’s why the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $65 billion to make sure we expand access to broadband Internet in every region of the country — urban, suburban, and rural — everywhere — everywhere — so every household in America can get connected.”
It is expected that 10 million households will qualify for the program, meaning about 26 million people will gain Internet access.
Qualifying for Free or Low-Cost Internet Service
To see if you qualify for free or low-cost Internet service, go to GetInternet.gov. There are three ways to qualify for assistance under the program:
- Qualify through a government assistance plan. The site lists a variety of programs including Medicaid, Pell Grants, school lunch programs, etc.
- Qualify using your household income. You may qualify depending on income, household size, and location.
- Qualify by participating in an Internet service provider’s low income plan.
Contacting Your Internet Service Provider
More than 1,300 Internet service providers are participating in the program.
- You can find a list of 20 major providers at GetInternet.gov.
- You can also find a Companies Near Me list that allows you to search for local providers by ZIP code.