Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Lori Pace
The COVID-19 Pandemic made life harder for our students. They had to stop going to school and start online classes to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. However, not everyone has access to the Internet due to its high costs and availability. That is why internet providers are doing something to help with the situation. They offer free or discounted internet and Wi-Fi options to students from low-income households.
New Customer Promos To Get Free Internet For Students
AT&T
Participating K-12 schools and colleges are their partners to offer free wireless data for 60 days via school-issued 4G and hotspot devices. These cellular signals are available to most households that don’t have broadband internet.
AT&T offers a low-income internet service called Access at AT&T. Participants who are eligible will get two months of free service. Eligible are those who have received the following:
- Supplemental Security Income or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)
- National School Lunches (NSLP)
- Head Start benefits.
AT&T is available in 21 States with the most extensive coverage in California, Texas, and Florida. The 21 states are Nevada, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, California, Texas, North and South Carolina.
Comcast Xfinity
Xfinity gives new customers prepaid Visa gift cards for $150. The deal also comes with a free self-installation without an upfront fee. However, the gift card will arrive after you have signed up and installed. This means you’ll have to pay for the two months before you get reimbursed through the gift card.
There are also two free months of internet service, given that you will qualify for the Internet Essentials package with 25Mbps. The program requires you to have a limited income that qualifies you for Medicaid, SSI, Housing Assistance, and other federal programs for low-income families.
Charter Spectrum
New customers of Charter Spectrum can receive free broadband and Wi-Fi with up to 100 Mbps for 60 days. Those with K-12 students or College students can apply for a Spectrum service and receive the deal with installation and prepayment fees waived. However, this deal is only for new customers.
Optimum And Suddenlink (Altice)
Altice, the parent company of Optimum and Suddenlink, has an offer for new customers! Households that have K-12 students or College students without a home internet service can apply for Altice Advantage. This promo provides a 30Mbps broadband solution. Call the following numbers to apply:
- 866-200-9522 (Optimum region)
- 888-633-0030 (Suddenlink region)
Cox Communications
There is a discounted starter package from Cox Communications. This package offers $20 per month for 50Mbps which is usually $30 for 10Mbps
Connect2Compete is also available for low-income families in need of internet service. They offer free 2 months of up to 50Mbps, then charge $10 for the next month. Households with children who qualify for NSLP, SNAP, and other federal or local assistance programs can apply.
The company also has a low-income internet program, Connect2Compete. Cox is offering two months free ($10 per month after) and increasing speeds to 50Mbps. Families with K-12 children eligible for NSLP, SNAP, and those who receive Tenant-Based Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), or those who live in Public Housing can apply.
Free Wi-Fi Hotspots To Get Internet For Students
Google Fiber
They are offering free Wi-Fi hotspots in their service area in some states. Visit the Google Fiber page to learn more about their services.
Vyve Broadband
They offer free unlimited Wi-Fi access at different locations. The offer is available in 16 states, visit the Vyve Broadband site to check if it’s available near you.
Bevcomm
Offers free unlimited Wi-Fi access in service areas located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Cincinnati Bell
Provides Wi-Fi hotspots in service areas located in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Visit the Cincinnati Bell page to find hotspots near you.
Schools Can Offer Free Internet For Students
Some districts are deploying WiFi-enabled school buses that park in different neighborhoods to provide internet access to students. Visit the US News article to learn more about it. Besides, some districts are partnering with cell phone providers. These providers would give LTE-enabled tablets or mobile hotspots to students in need.
Public Libraries Provide Free Internet For Students
These libraries are great resources, and they often offer internet access for those who cannot afford it. Two ways are most libraries able to access the internet: Wi-Fi access within the library and computers connected to the internet.
Almost all libraries offer public Wi-Fi access at no cost. More than 99% of them also provide internet access. Access to the internet in most libraries can be done with a library card. This is often available for free.
Major Chains And Cafes To Get Free Internet For Students
There is free wifi available to customers of major chains and cafes. These major chains and cafes include Starbucks, Mcdonald’s, Tim Hortons, Panera Bread, Dunkin’ Donuts, Barnes and Noble, Buffalo Wild Wings, Whole Foods, Target, KFC, and Wendy’s.
However, if you are also looking for a free laptop to support your student life, we got you covered!
