The internet is becoming more and more expensive as days go by. Unfortunately, high-speed internet is essential to many of us, from education to work. That’s why we cannot do anything but allocate a significant amount of our budget for monthly internet bills. That said, it can be difficult for minimum and below minimum wage earners to keep up with these increasing internet fees.
Fortunately, you have several options to get low-cost internet or even free internet service in Charlotte. But first, let’s check out some government subsidies and low-income internet programs that can help you.
Government Financial Assistance Programs for Internet Service in Charlotte
Lifeline
This is a federal program that offers a monthly discount on phone and internet services for eligible low-income customers. The Lifeline program is available in every state, including North Carolina. You may qualify for the Lifeline program if you or your household participate in specific government assistance programs.
Emergency Broadband Benefit
This is an FCC program to help low-income households with the cost of internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EBB program will give a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband internet service for eligible households.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides discounted broadband service for up to $30 for low-income households. The program is available to residents who participate in government assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Free and Reduced Lunch program.
Low-Cost Internet Service Providers in Charlotte
Regardless if you have fiber, cable, or satellite internet, we all know that it can be expensive, especially if you require high speeds or high data allocations. Fortunately, many internet service providers in Charlotte participate in a low-cost internet program to help low-income households afford the internet. Here are some of them:
- AT&T
AT&T has the Access from AT&T program that provides wireline home internet services to limited-income households participating in several government programs, including SNAP, SSI, Affordable Connectivity Program, and more.
- Comcast Xfinity
Comcast Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program is one of the most popular low-cost internet programs in the country. To qualify for Comcast’s Internet Essentials, you must be eligible for programs like NSLP, Medicaid, and more. You also cannot be subscribed to Comcast’s internet service within the last 90 days. The internet offered comes with speeds up to 50Mbps for only $9.95 per month.
- Charter Spectrum
Charter Spectrum’s Internet Assist program is a low-cost internet program available to eligible low-income customers in select states, including North Carolina. It provides internet with speeds up to 30Mbps for only $14.99 for 12 months or one year.
To qualify, you must participate in one of the following assistance programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the National School Lunch Program’s Free and Reduced Price Lunch program.
- Cox Communications
Cox’s Connect2Compete program is for new Cox customers with at least one K-12 student in their household who is currently participating in one of the government’s public assistance programs. It comes with an internet plan with up to 50Mbps speeds for only $9.95 per month.
- Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios’s low-cost internet program is available to eligible households participating in the Lifeline Discount Program. The plan comes with a monthly $20 off for fiber internet plans. While it’s a great deal, Verizon Fios is yet to expand their coverage for their fiber internet, so consider yourself lucky if it’s available in your area.
- Mediacom
Mediacom’s low-cost internet program is available for qualified low-income customers in select states. For only $9.95 per month, you can get 25Mbps internet speeds with no data caps. You may qualify if you participate in any of the following assistance programs: Medicaid, NSLP, SSI, and more.
Final Thoughts
The internet is playing a more important role in our lives every single day. But unfortunately, access to affordable internet is not as common as it should be. Luckily, the government and several internet service providers are teaming up to provide low-cost internet programs to help those in need. If you’re struggling to pay for your current internet bill, we urge you to look into these programs and see if you qualify. Not only will it save you money each month, but it’ll also give you peace of mind knowing that you and your family will be able to stay connected.
