Vacation has just ended and students are heading into the second half of the school year. It is a difficult time and there must be a reliable internet connection. A strong internet connection at home is essential for distance learning, homework, Zoom, and just about everything. Whether you’re a college student on a budget or a parent Middle school or high school Students who have an increased need for Internet access, will need a decent one Internet connectionwhich doesn’t always come cheap.
We’ve covered the best programs and discounts that ISPs are currently offering. We’ve got a roundup of the best discount internet plans if you’re looking for basic internet service (think around 100Mbps) and trying to avoid huge costs Multi-Gigabit speeds.
Start with federal broadband programs
Before you get stuck on provider deals, start with the beneficial federal programs that apply to your household. You may be eligible for student discounts if you participate in programs such as Federal assistance for public housingthe National School Lunch Programthe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary assistance for families in need.
end Affordable communication software In May 2024, millions of eligible Americans who took advantage of a $30 discount on their internet bills were disconnected, and there were still no government programs to significantly replace the program. the Lifeline The program, which has been around since 1985, is one you can turn to for an Internet discount, although it only offers a monthly discount of $9.25 on your Internet bill. However, this represents a discount of $111 per year on broadband costs, and those who reside on tribal lands can get a monthly discount of up to $34.25.
It is often confused with just software the elderlyLifeline helps all low-income families, making it a viable option for families with K-12 children or college students on their own. Eligibility factors include income of 135% or less of Federal poverty guidelines Or participate in federal assistance programs such as FPHA or SNAP.
Here are some things to note while doing so Online Shopping: Keep in mind How much speed your family needs. Most discounted plans from internet providers range between 50 and 100 Mbps, which isn’t very fast but is enough for online searching, sending emails and Zoom requirements, provided there are no other heavy internet users at home such as remote workers or gamers. If you are looking for Faster speedsconsider some in general Cheap internet Plans that do not require proof of income or participation in federal assistance programs. Just note that while the starting price can range between $20 and $30, these prices often go up after a year or two of service.
Now, let’s take a look at some online options for students on a budget.
We took – Astound’s Internet First program provides affordable internet to families and students in eligible low-income households (including those who qualify for NSLP, Medicaid, housing assistance, SNAP, Head Start, and WIC, among others). Students receiving federal aid may submit an award letter (whether for Pell Grants, FSEOG, or TEACH). The plan features download speeds of up to 50Mbps for $10 per month or download speeds of up to 150Mbps for $20 per month, with the first 3 months free. There are no contracts, credit checks or installation fees.
We took – AT&T Access is a program that provides low-income households within AT&T’s 21 states with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps for $30 a month or less. There are no contracts, data caps, or installation fees, and AT&T provides the Wi-Fi modem for free. You can apply via income status or participation in NSLP or SNAP. California residents can qualify by participating in SSI.
We took – Participants in Cox’s Connect2Compete program will get download speeds of up to 100 Mbps for $10 per month. This is targeted to families with school-aged children (K-12) who receive government assistance (including NSLP, SNAP, TANF, Head Start, LIHEAP, WIC, or public housing). Cox’s offer includes no contracts, free installation, free access to over 4 million Wi-Fi hotspots and free Wi-Fi modem rental. Note that this plan comes with a data cap of 1.25TB.
We took – Get up to 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect offering. Your monthly bill drops to $15, or $29 once you factor in the cost of renting the modem. There is no deposit required, and there are no contracts. Installation, equipment rental and free Wi-Fi modem. To qualify, you must participate in a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, or Lifeline. Homes that receive federal public housing assistance, participate in the school lunch program, tribal assistance programs or receive a federal Pell Grant are also eligible.
We took – Optimum’s Advantage Internet offers download speeds of up to 50 Mbps for $15 per month. Participants will receive a free router, unlimited data, free installation, and no contracts. You may be eligible if you or someone in your household participates in the NSLP program or you are a New York City resident and attend a New York City public school.
Fixed wireless
72 – 245 Mbps
$60 per month
We took – T-Mobile’s 10 Million Project is a special program available to K-12 students enrolled in NSLP, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or Head Start. The application process is usually done through school administrators, but parents and guardians can apply on behalf of their child’s school. All eligible students will receive 200GB per year and a free mobile hotspot for at least five years.
Fixed wireless
72 – 245 Mbps
$60 per month
300 – 2000 Mbps
$50 – $120 per month
We took – Verizon offers discounted rates on Verizon Fios internet plans to college students enrolled in an accredited, public or private, degree-granting university or college. You can save up to $20 per month on your provider’s 100% fiber plans if you’re an actively enrolled college student. If you qualify, you can get 300Mbps download speeds for $40 per month. However, you’ll first need to confirm your eligibility on Verizon’s website and check to make sure Fios is available in your area.
300 – 2000 Mbps
$50 – $120 per month
150 – 2000 Mbps
$19 – $95 per month
We took – Xfinity is offering college students a deal to get 150Mbps download speed for $25 per month for one year. Modem and router rentals are free and some students may qualify for a prepaid card with some plans. Additional details will depend on your district and your ability to verify your student status. This offer is not available to students living in on-campus housing. Check to see what student discounts are available in your area.
150 – 2000 Mbps
$19 – $95 per month
50 – 100 Mbps
$10 – $30 per month
We took – Xfinity’s Internet Essentials features download speeds of up to 50 Mbps for $10 per month or 100 Mbps for $30 per month. To avoid a one-time professional installation fee, you can choose the free self-installation option. There are no monthly equipment costs and no data caps or contracts. Participants in NSLP, public housing, SNAP, or TANF are eligible.
50 – 100 Mbps
$10 – $30 per month
Frequently asked questions about internet offers and discounts for students
Will AT&T give students a discount on internet service?
AT&T does not have a home internet discount program specifically for students. They have a discount plan called Access from AT&T Which targets homes with Head Start or NSLP participants. This should not be confused with AT&T’s wireless plans, which offer discounts based on school or university eligibility.
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Does the government provide free internet?
To find the best government programs or discounts online, you’ll have to turn to federal programs like lifeline, Which can provide a discount of $9.25 on your monthly bill, or Discounts Provided by the Internet service providers themselves. The termination of the Affordable Calling Program has facilitated the loss of basic internet discounts (up to $30 per month) across the country, a gap that has not yet been adequately filled by government programs.
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