Free Guide to Low-Income Internet Service Options

Understanding Low-Income Internet Programs

Several programs exist across the United States that provide internet service options for households with lower incomes. These programs work differently depending on which one you use and where you live. This guide explains what those programs are and how they generally operate, so you can understand what options may exist in your area.

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The largest program is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021. This program provides monthly subsidies that participating households can use toward their internet bill from participating internet service providers. Another significant program is the Lifeline program, which has been in place since 1985 and offers discounted phone and broadband services.

Many states and local governments also run their own internet programs. These may be funded through grants, public utility commissions, or local government budgets. Some programs focus on rural areas where internet service is harder to obtain, while others focus on urban areas with high poverty rates. A few programs operate through community organizations and non-profits rather than government agencies.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), approximately 21 million U.S. households lack broadband internet at home. Of those, many have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line. The programs described in this guide aim to reduce that gap by making service more affordable.

Different programs have different rules about what services they cover, how much subsidy they provide, which providers participate, and what information you need to provide. Understanding these differences helps you figure out which option might work for your situation.

Practical takeaway: Low-income internet programs vary by type and location. Spend time learning about the different programs available rather than assuming one program fits all situations.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program represents one of the largest federal efforts to reduce internet costs for lower-income households. The program provides a monthly subsidy—currently up to $30 per month for most households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands—that you can use toward your broadband bill from a participating internet service provider.

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To use the ACP, you must first find out whether your household meets the income requirements and whether an internet provider in your area participates in the program. The income threshold is 200% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a household of four would need an annual income of about $55,500 or less. Households that receive benefits from certain programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI may meet income requirements automatically without having to prove their income separately.

The program works by having you contact a participating internet provider and informing them that you want to use your ACP subsidy with them. The provider then verifies your information with the program administrators before activating the subsidy on your account. The subsidy reduces what you pay each month. If your internet bill is less than the subsidy amount, you pay nothing for broadband service. If your bill is more, you pay the difference.

As of mid-2024, over 21 million households had received information about the ACP, though enrollment numbers fluctuate. Hundreds of internet service providers participate, ranging from major national companies like Comcast and Verizon to smaller regional and local providers. This means you may have multiple provider options depending on where you live, though some rural areas have limited choices.

The program also includes a one-time subsidy of up to $100 that participating households can use to purchase a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Not all providers offer this equipment subsidy, so you would need to ask your provider whether they participate in that portion of the program.

Practical takeaway: The ACP is worth researching if your household income is around 200% of the federal poverty line or below. Check whether providers in your area participate and what speeds and data limits they offer under the program.

The Lifeline Program and Tribal Programs

The Lifeline program has a longer history than the ACP, dating back to 1985. This federal program provides discounted phone and broadband services to low-income households. Unlike the ACP, which provides a monthly subsidy you apply toward any participating provider's bill, Lifeline works by offering discounted rates directly from participating service providers. The discount is typically around $9.25 per month for broadband service, though some providers offer higher discounts.

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Lifeline has different income rules than the ACP. Your household must have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty line to participate. For a household of four in 2024, that would mean an income of about $37,650 or less per year. Households receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit are automatically considered to meet the income requirement without having to verify income separately.

To use Lifeline, you contact a participating provider and provide information about your household income or benefits. The provider then verifies this information through the National Verifier system, which is run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Once verified, your account receives the discount. You can only use Lifeline with one service at a time—either phone or broadband, not both simultaneously—and you can only have one Lifeline account per household.

For households on tribal lands, additional programs exist. The Lifeline program has special provisions for tribal areas, and some tribes run their own internet programs with additional funding. The FCC maintains information about tribal broadband programs on its website. Some tribes have partnerships with non-profit organizations to extend high-speed internet to reservation areas. Tribal members should contact their tribal government's broadband office or economic development department to learn about programs specific to their area.

Lifeline participation has declined in recent years. As of 2023, approximately 1.2 million households subscribed to Lifeline for broadband services. One reason for lower participation is that the ACP often provides larger subsidies, making it more attractive when both programs are available. However, Lifeline may still be the only program available in some areas, particularly rural regions.

Practical takeaway: Lifeline offers smaller subsidies than the ACP but has been in place longer and covers more geographic areas. If your income is below 135% of the federal poverty line, investigate Lifeline options in your area. Tribal households should also check for tribe-specific programs.

State and Local Internet Programs

Beyond federal programs, many states and cities have created their own internet affordability programs. These vary widely depending on the state's resources, priorities, and population needs. Some states have created programs specifically to serve rural areas where commercial internet service is scarce or unreliable. Other states focus on urban areas with high poverty rates.

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New York State's Homes Connected program, for example, provided devices and internet service to low-income households during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. California has created programs through its Public Utilities Commission to reduce broadband costs in specific communities. Colorado offers subsidies in rural areas through its broadband fund. These state-level programs often have different income thresholds, different service speeds, and different rules about what providers participate.

Many cities run their own programs as well. Some municipal governments have invested in community broadband networks and offer subsidized service directly to low-income residents. Others partner with internet service providers to create discount programs. For example, some cities have negotiated bulk purchasing agreements with providers that result in lower rates for all residents, including low-income households.

Non-profit organizations also play a major role in expanding internet access. Organizations like Community Technology Empowerment Project, Connect All, and local community action agencies often run internet subsidy programs or device distribution programs. These programs may be funded through grants from foundations, government contracts, or corporate donations. Some focus on providing devices, some focus on service subsidies, and some do both.

To learn about state and local programs, start by contacting your state's broadband office. Most states have created broadband offices or broadband coordinator positions in recent years. You can find your state's office through your state government website. You can also contact your local community action agency—these organizations traditionally work on poverty issues and often have information about local broadband programs. Community colleges sometimes run broadband programs as well, particularly programs that include digital literacy training alongside internet service.

Practical takeaway: Don't assume that only federal programs are available to you. Research your state and local options by contacting your state broadband office and local community action agencies. These programs often have less competition for spots than federal programs