Find low-cost or free internet

4 minute read. Updated September 28, 2026.

Internet at home costs real money, and the deals change often. Here's where to look, and what to ask when you call.

Start with these

Your internet company's low-income plan. Most big providers have one (Comcast Internet Essentials, Spectrum Internet Assist, AT&T Access, Cox Connect2Compete, and others). They're usually $10 to $30 a month and you qualify if anyone in your home gets SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, free school lunch, or similar. Call and say: "Do you have a low-income or affordable internet plan?"
Lifeline. A federal program that takes about $9 a month off a phone or internet bill. Apply at lifelinesupport.org or ask your phone company.
Your phone's hotspot. If you already have a phone plan with data, your phone can share its internet with a laptop. It's often enough for email, forms, and video calls. We can set it up with you.
Your public library. Free Wi-Fi inside, and many libraries lend out hotspots for weeks at a time. Ask at the desk.

Prepaid phone plans. Mint, Visible, and others often cost less than a cable internet bill and include hotspot data.
Your city or county. Some have their own free or cheap programs. Search "[your city] affordable internet."
Schools. If you have a student at home, ask the school. Many still have hotspots or discounts from the pandemic.

Write the answers down along with the date and the name of the person you spoke to.

A "free" offer that needs a credit card. Ask why.
Anyone who calls you offering a discount and asks for your account password or Social Security number. Hang up. Call the number on your bill instead.

Tell us where you live and what you have now and a volunteer will help you compare and sign up.