How to find an internet service plan that works for you

  • Visit the websites of internet service providers (ISPs).
  • Look for key words like “Affordable Options,” “Low-Income Programs,” or “Internet Essentials”.
  • Check the eligibility criteria for the programs.
  • Contact customer service if you’re unsure about the details or eligibility, they can provide more information and even help you apply for the program if you qualify.
  • Compare the plans and offers from different ISPs to find the best option for your needs.
  • Ask the customer service all the questions you have. Take notes on the options, qualifications, and payment plans, as well as any possible expirations of discounts. 
  • Apply for the discounted internet plan by following the instructions on the ISP’s website or by contacting the ISP’s customer service.

What internet plan is right for you? 

Find a list of low-cost internet plans.

Search for all local plans available. 

Free & low-cost internet plans

Discount programs

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program offering a discount up to $75 off monthly internet bills, is no longer accepting applications, and is expected to stop providing the discounts to enrolled consumers by the end of April 2024.

If you received ACP benefits, you may qualify for the Lifeline Program, a federal program that help limited income consumers pay for their telephone and internet services with a monthly discount. If you qualify for Lifeline, you can get a monthly benefit of: 

  • Up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services 
  • Up to $34.25 off the cost of phone, internet or bundled services if you live on qualifying Tribal Lands 

In Maryland the program is called Tel-Life. You will sign up through a Lifeline provider company directly. Many companies advertise their Lifeline services, or you may find a list at www.lifelinesupport.org. When you sign up for Lifeline, you will need to provide full legal name, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number, and address.

View this PDF document for instructions on how to sign up for Lifeline.

Find companies in your area that offer Lifeline. 

Low-cost plans

These internet plans have a minimum speed of 25Mbps upload/3Mbps download and the cost for these plans will not be greater than $30/month. 

What does 25Mbps upload/3Mbps download mean? 

Let’s break it down: 

  • Upload Speed: The rate at which information is sent from your device to the internet. For example, when you upload a file to an email, you are using your upload speed. 
  • Download Speed: The rate at which data is received from the internet to your device. For example, when you are on a video conference call, you are using your download speed. 
  • Mbps (megabits per second): This indicates the speed, higher numbers indicate faster speeds 
Provider  Plan Name  Speed  Monthly Cost  Notes  Next Steps 
Verizon  Forward  Select by plan  Select by plan  Discount applied to eligible Verizon Home Internet Plans (Fios, 5G, & LTE)  Click “Get Started” on this page to verify your eligibility and to confirm availability in your area. Be prepared to provide proof of receiving a Federal Pell Grant within the last year, proof of qualifying for Lifeline within the last 180 days, or proof of qualifying for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) within the last 180 days. 

 
Xfinity  Internet Essentials  Up to 50 Mbps  $9.95    Click this link to begin your application. Be prepared to provide proof of participation in assistance programs (view the full list here). Other requirements include that you have not had Xfinity Internet within the last 90 days and have no outstanding debt on any Comcast account that is less than one year old. 
Xfinity  Internet Essentials Plus  Up to 100Mbps    $29.95    Scroll down on this page and click “Chat to order Internet Essentials Plus”. Be prepared to provide proof of participating in assistance programs (view the full list here). Other requirements include that you have not had Xfinity Internet within the last 90 days and have no outstanding debt on any Comcast account that is less than one year old. 
Spectrum  Internet Assist  Select by plan    Select by plan    User must be in service area to view accurate pricing  Click this link to begin your application. Be prepared to provide proof of a member of your household receiving the National School Lunch Program (NSLP; free or reduced cost lunch), the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP, or the Supplemental Security Income (For Applicants 65+ Years of Age). 
RCN  Internet First  Up to 50 Mbps  $9.95      Click this link to begin your application. 

Be prepared to provide proof of participation in public assistance programs (like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others). Other requirements include that you live in a serviceable area and that you have not subscribed to their services within the last  60 days. 
PCs for People  Fixed Wireless  50 Mbps download/10 Mbps upload  $15    Scroll down on this page and enter your address under “Check your internet coverage” to confirm availability in your area and begin the process. 
AT&T  Access    Up to 100Mbps  $30    Click this link to begin your application. Be prepared to provide proof of participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch Program, or with a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. 
Optimum  Advantage Internet  Up to 50 Mbps    $14.99    Click this link to begin your application. Be prepared to provide proof of a member of your household receiving the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), eligible for or receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and 65 years of age or older, a veteran receiving state, or federal public assistance. Other requirements include that you have not had internet service within the past 60 days.  
Human-I-T  Low-Cost Internet  Select by plan    Less than $30      To explore plan options, prepare your eligibility documents (household income or enrollment in assistance programs as well as a valid photo ID) and submit this form to begin the process in determining what plans you qualify for. 

Additional Taxes & Fees – Additional taxes and fees can include any costs beyond the monthly subscription cost. These could be one-time costs for installation, or recurring costs, such as taxes and monthly equipment rentals. All costs of service may not be easily found on a provider’s website. 

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