Review the list below to see what deals/discounts providers are offering on wireless Internet access and computers. Packages and discounts listed may change without notice.
Last updated April 20, 2022. Please check with each provider directly for their latest deals.
Wi-Fi Access
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.
If your household is eligible, you could receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
- A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP*
* Through a separate non-FCC initiative, additional no cost plans may be available to Affordable Connectivity Program enrollees. To learn more please visit GetInternet.gov. Provision of a link to this initiative does not imply FCC endorsement of any particular participating provider.
Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. To receive the connected device discount, consumers need to enroll in the ACP with a participating provider that offers connected devices (Note: not all internet company offer device discounts.) The internet company will provide the discount to the consumer.
Go to https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov to see if you qualify; and if you, apply.
Internet Providers
Here are a few options for home Internet access we have found in the area.
NOTE: These are not endorsements, just options we have found to be available.
- AT&T
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The following information was gathered from
https://www.att.com/internet/access/.
Access from AT&T
Get FREE* internet with Access & the Affordable Connectivity Program
If you’re approved for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you’re also eligible for Access.
Plans up to 100Mbps. Ltd. availability/areas. Free internet subject to continued participation in the ACP and application of the ACP benefit to Access from AT&T plans.
Access from AT&T provides low-cost internet service for eligible households.*
- Free installation and in-home Wi-Fi® No annual contract
- Internet service for $30/mo. or less based on the maximum speed available at your address up to 100Mbps. LIMITED-TIME OFFER**
- No deposit
Afforadble Connectivity Program
The ACP is a federal government program that provides a benefit on home internet service for eligible households, decreasing your bill by up to $30/mo., or up to $75/mo. off your bill if you reside on qualifying Tribal lands.
*Plans up to 100Mbps Ltd. availability/areas. Free internet subject to continued participation in the ACP and application of the ACP benefit to Access from AT&T plans.
- Get approved for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Check if you qualify and apply at checklifeline.org The federal government’s National Verifier determines eligibility.
- Sign up for Access from AT&T. Call us at 833.713.3004 (English) or 855.513.0637 (Español) to discuss your options and order service. Have your National Verifier application ID handy.
- Comcast Xfinity
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The following information was gathered from
https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19.
Staying Connected During Coronavirus
As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, Comcast is taking immediate steps to make it easier to connect low-income families to home Internet.
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Due to the launch of the Affordable Connectivity Program on December 30, 2021, Comcast is sunsetting the two-free months promotion as of that date. After that date, new Internet Essentials customers can obtain free Internet service only by enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
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For all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service has increased from 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream to 50 Mbps downstream and 10 Mbps upstream.
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Households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials. We are waiving this qualification if you apply and are approved by 06/30/22. After 06/30/22, standard eligibility rules apply.
- Comcast & City of Houston WiFi-Connected "Lift Zones"
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The following information was gathered from http://houstontx.gov/mayor/press/2020/wi-fi-lift-zones.html.
According to a December 8, 2020 news release from the Houston Mayor’s Office, Comcast has announced plans to equip nine City of Houston Community Centers with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” before the end of 2020.
The spaces will allow students to work on laptops simultaneously so they can participate in distance learning. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years, according to the city’s website.
Participating City of Houston Lift Zone sites include:
- Acres Homes Multi-Service Center
- DeZavala Community Center
- Emancipation Community Center
- Hartman Community Center
- Kashmere Multi-Service Center
- Magnolia Multi-Service Center
- Melrose Community Center
- Southwest Multi-Service Center
- Third Ward Multi-Service Center
- Suddenlink (Altice Advantage Internet)
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The following information was gathered from https://www.alticeadvantageinternet.com/
Introducing Optimum
Advantage Internet
Now with even faster speeds!
Altice Advantage Internet is now Optimum Advantage Internet. We’ve increased our Internet speeds to 50 Mbps to help you stay connected even faster, at the same affordable price.
$14.99/mo.
What you get:
- Up to 50 Mbps Internet
- Free installation
- Free WiFi router
- No Data Caps
- Risk free, cancel anytime
Call 844.358.3147 for more information.
Your Internet service could be FREE!
If you qualify for Optimum Advantage Internet, you may also qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program to help keep you connected affordably. Once approved, your Internet could be FREE with a $30 monthly credit.
If you live in the Optimum service area: Learn More
If you live in the Suddenlink service area: Learn More
You may qualify for Optimum Advantage Internet if you’re in one of the following groups:
Households with Students
+ Your household qualifies for or participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
+ OR you are a New York City resident attending a New York City public school
Seniors
+ You are 65 years or older and eligible for or
receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Veterans
+ You are a Veteran and receive state or
federal public assistance.
- T-Mobile
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- Verizon
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Wi-Fi Access via Free Mobile Hotspots
Many wireless carriers offer Wi-Fi hotspot access to their own customers; however, if you are not a customer there are other options. Various businesses such as coffee shops, restaurants, and others offer free Wi-Fi hotspots as part of their amenities.
Did you know Facebook can help you find hotspots near you? The Facebook mobile app is actually one of the easiest ways to find free Wi-Fi if you already have the app installed. To use Facebook to find free internet, open the More menu and then tap Find Wi-Fi (You might have to tap See More at the bottom to show it). If there aren't Wi-Fi networks where you're currently located, find a different area on the map and tap Search this area to look for free internet there. Switch between List and Map view for different ways to view the results.
Be Cyber Smart! Free, open wireless networks may pose a security risk. Always ensure your computer's firewall is turned on and you have anti-virus software installed to help prevent any unexpected intrusions.
Computer Deals
Did you know there are several computers available for under $400, some even under $300? Check out these deals:
Consider refurbished laptops where available. When purchased from a reputable retailer, these are usually in like-new condition and offer great value.
NOTE: These are not endorsements, just options we have found to be available at the time we were searching.
Software to Use at Home
There is a variety of software available that can be used at home. Go to Software Available for Home Use for the list and download links.
