We understand that not every family has access to the Internet at home, though some may wish to. Here are some resources for families to obtain broadband Internet at their home at low or no cost.
This list is simply alphabetical. Families need to decide which option is best for them:
AT&T will be waiving any data overage fees for all customers. They also will not be terminating service to customers and waiving late payment fees over the next 60 days for customers that may be incurred because of economic hardship due to the coronavirus.
Comcast announced Thursday it will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program to 25/3 Mbps, and making the program which is normally $9.95/month free for 60 days to new low-income customers, amid the coronavirus outbreak.
To sign up for Comcast Internet Essentials, go to www.internetessentials.com, or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Comcast will also be making all Xfinity WiFi hotspots available everyone, including those who are not Comcast Xfinity subscribers. Click for a map of Xfinity hotspots near you.
USAC (a funding branch of the FCC) offers a program called Lifeline which provides significant discounts to qualified families on their home Internet service. As of Dec. 2, 2016, you may qualify for Lifeline Assistance based on income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or if you participate in one of the following programs:
Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit or Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Click for more information about the USAC Lifeline program.
Verizon offers Verizon Lifeline plans for home phone service or broadband (internet) service. The broadband discount is limited to Fios internet service at a speed of 18 megabits per second or above.
If you qualify for the Lifeline discount service, you are eligible to receive a reduced rate on your Verizon monthly bill. To sign up for this service, click this link to the Lifeline website.
Verizon also said they would not terminate service and would waive late fees for the next 60 days.
Many smart phones can be turned into an internet access hotspot for use by other devices. Depending on your provider and plan, this may be either free or a small additional charge to your service. If you are unsure about your plan, contact your provider for details.
This article can help you turn on a hotspot.
How to Turn Your Phone Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot, PCMagazine