Low-cost internet programs
Low-income internet, every current US program
With ACP expired, provider-specific programs are the path to affordable home internet. Here's every one we verify, what they cost, who qualifies, and how to apply.
ACP ran out of funding in May 2024 and is not currently accepting new applicants.
Xfinity
Internet Essentials
$9.95/mo
50 Mbps download
Eligibility
- Household enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Tribal TANF, federal Pell Grant, or public housing
- No outstanding Xfinity bills from the last year (can often be waived)
- Not an active Xfinity customer within the last 90 days
What's included
- 50 Mbps down / 10 up
- No contract
- Free in-home Wi-Fi equipment
- Access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots
Xfinity also offers Internet Essentials Plus at $29.95/mo for 100 Mbps if the base tier is too slow.
Spectrum
Spectrum Internet Assist
$24.99/mo
50 Mbps download
Eligibility
- Household member is a recipient of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Household member 65+ receives Supplemental Security Income
- No outstanding Spectrum balance from the last 30 days
What's included
- 50 Mbps down / 5 up
- No data cap
- Free internet modem
- Optional add-on Wi-Fi router ($5/mo)
AT&T
Access from AT&T
$30/mo
100 Mbps download
Eligibility
- Household enrolled in SNAP or SSI (at least one person)
- Lives within the 21-state AT&T wireline footprint
- No outstanding AT&T balance from the last 12 months
What's included
- Up to 100 Mbps down where AT&T Fiber serves (DSL backup otherwise)
- No annual contract
- Equipment included
Requires separate in-home confirmation, AT&T representative will verify serviceability at address.
Cox
Cox Connect2Compete
$9.95/mo
100 Mbps download
Eligibility
- Household has at least one K–12 student
- Household participates in SNAP, TANF, NSLP, or public housing
- No Cox internet subscription in the last 90 days
What's included
- 100 Mbps down / 5 up
- Free modem
- No contract
- No installation fee
Verizon
Verizon Forward
$20/mo (Fios) or $20/mo (LTE Home / 5G Home)
300 Mbps (Fios) / 25+ Mbps (5G) download
Eligibility
- Household participates in Lifeline, SNAP, WIC, SSI, Federal Pell Grant, or Tribal assistance
- Has not received the discount from Verizon in the last 30 days
What's included
- Verizon Fios 300 Mbps or 5G Home access
- Free router
- No annual contract
T-Mobile
T-Mobile Home Internet Lifeline
Lifeline credit (~$9.25 discount/mo)
245 Mbps typical download
Eligibility
- Lifeline-qualified household (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, Veterans Pension, Tribal programs, or income ≤135% of federal poverty line)
What's included
- Standard T-Mobile Home Internet service with Lifeline discount applied
- Gateway included
- No contract
Lifeline is a federal program, enrollment happens through USAC, not directly with T-Mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still running?
No, ACP funding ran out in May 2024 and it has not been reauthorized as of April 2026. The programs listed above are provider-specific replacements and a handful of state-level alternatives. If Congress restores ACP, we'll update this page.
Which program has the lowest monthly price right now?
Xfinity Internet Essentials and Cox Connect2Compete both come in at $9.95/month, the lowest you'll find from a mainstream US ISP. Eligibility differs: Internet Essentials runs on SNAP/Medicaid/public-housing enrollment, while Connect2Compete requires a household with a K–12 student plus a qualifying assistance program.
Can I combine Lifeline with a provider low-income plan?
Usually not, most provider programs already include the Lifeline discount baked in. The T-Mobile Home Internet Lifeline is the main exception, where Lifeline is applied on top of the regular residential price.
What if I'm behind on a past bill with a provider?
Most of these programs require no outstanding balance in a specific look-back window (30 to 365 days, depending on provider). Xfinity and Spectrum will often waive prior balances for Internet Essentials / Assist enrollment, ask the rep directly.
What speeds should I expect on these tiers?
Plans range from 50 Mbps (entry tier on most programs) to 300 Mbps on Verizon Forward Fios. 50 Mbps is enough for video calls, remote learning, and streaming HD. 100+ Mbps covers 4K streaming and multiple simultaneous users comfortably.