GetInternet.gov: Affordable Internet Options After ACP Ended in 2026

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. households still lacks reliable broadband access, per U.S. Census Bureau data — a gap that widened after the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. GetInternet.gov serves as the federal government's central resource for finding low-cost internet options, pointing eligible households toward programs that can slash monthly bills dramatically. If you're already exploring government assistance programs or working on reducing household bills, affordable internet is one of the highest-impact benefits still available. Here are the 10 best options to know about right now — let's get started!

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Summary Table

GetInternet.gov: Affordable Internet Options After ACP Ended in 2026

Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.

1. Lifeline Program

The Lifeline Program is a federal benefit that directly supports the mission of getinternet.gov by providing eligible low-income households with monthly discounts on internet and phone service. Administered by the FCC, it offers up to $9.25/month off qualifying broadband plans, making connectivity more affordable for qualifying Americans.

Key details:

• Up to $9.25/month discount on internet or phone service
• Eligible if household income is at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines
• Can be combined with the Affordable Connectivity Program in some cases

2. Access from AT&T

Access from AT&T is a low-cost internet option frequently listed alongside getinternet.gov resources for qualifying households. It provides speeds of 25 Mbps for $30/month or less, reduced further with federal subsidies, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious families seeking reliable broadband without long-term contracts.

What you get:

• Plans starting at $30/month (further reduced with ACP benefits)
• No annual contract or credit check required
• Available to households participating in SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid

3. Cox Connect2Compete

Cox Connect2Compete is a low-cost broadband program highlighted through federal internet access initiatives, offering $9.95/month service to families with K–12 students who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. It directly supports the getinternet.gov goal of closing the homework gap and ensuring students have reliable home connectivity for remote learning.

Notable perks:

• $9.95/month for qualifying families with school-age children
• No activation fees or annual contracts
• Available in Cox service areas across 18+ states

4. Spectrum Internet Assist/Advantage

Spectrum Internet Assist is a low-cost broadband option that qualifies as an alternative to the getinternet.gov ACP-era programs, offering eligible households affordable connectivity through a major national provider. Qualifying households—including those receiving SSI, SNAP, or Medicaid—can access 30 Mbps speeds with no data caps and no contracts.

Key details:

• Speeds up to 30 Mbps for ~$14.99/month (or free with benefit stacking)
• No modem rental fee included
• Available in Spectrum service areas across 41+ states

5. Xfinity Internet Essentials

Xfinity Internet Essentials is one of the most established low-income broadband programs and is frequently listed alongside getinternet.gov resources as a fallback option for households no longer covered by the Affordable Connectivity Program. It serves income-qualified families, seniors, and people with disabilities at a subsidized monthly rate.

What you get:

• 25 Mbps download speeds for $9.95/month
• Optional computer purchase program (~$149.99)
• Free digital literacy training included

6. Optimum Advantage Internet

Optimum Advantage Internet is a provider-based subsidy program that fills a similar role to getinternet.gov-connected benefits for low-income households in Optimum's service footprint, primarily across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and parts of the South. It targets SNAP recipients and qualifying government assistance enrollees with a flat, low monthly rate.

Key details:

• Speeds up to 50 Mbps for $14.99/month
• No annual contract or equipment fees
• Limited to Optimum cable service areas

7. Verizon Forward/Fios Lifeline

Verizon's low-income internet programs connect eligible households to affordable broadband as an alternative or supplement to the getinternet.gov federal subsidy. Verizon Forward offers reduced-cost home internet service, while the Fios Lifeline program provides discounted landline and broadband options for qualifying customers receiving government assistance like Medicaid or SNAP.

Key details:

• Verizon Forward: ~$20/month for eligible low-income households in Fios service areas
• Lifeline discount: up to $9.25/month federal credit stackable with provider discounts
• Eligibility based on participation in federal assistance programs

8. Mediacom Connect-2-Compete/Xtream

Mediacom's Connect-2-Compete program is a direct low-cost broadband option for households with K–12 students that complements getinternet.gov enrollment efforts in rural and Midwestern service areas where Mediacom operates. Eligible families can access basic internet service at a significantly reduced monthly rate, making it a practical fallback if ACP funding gaps arise.

Key details:

• Connect-2-Compete pricing: approximately $9.95/month for qualifying families
• Available through Mediacom's Xtream branded service in covered markets
• Must have a school-aged child and qualify via income or federal program enrollment

9. Astound/RCN Internet First

Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) offers an Internet First program for income-qualified households in its Northeast and Mid-Atlantic service areas, providing a cheap home internet option that pairs well with federal subsidy programs tracked through getinternet.gov. It's particularly useful for urban residents in cities like Chicago, Boston, or Washington D.C. who fall within Astound's coverage footprint.

Key details:

• Low-cost tier available to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
• Speeds sufficient for basic browsing, job searching, and telehealth
• No long-term contract required for qualifying participants

10. Human-I-T

Human-I-T is a nonprofit that supports the GetInternet.gov initiative by connecting low-income households to affordable internet service and refurbished devices simultaneously. For families who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program or similar federal broadband subsidies, Human-I-T bridges the gap between having a benefit and actually getting online by providing the hardware needed to use it.

What they offer:

• Refurbished laptops and desktops at low or no cost for qualifying individuals
• Internet service navigation and enrollment support
• Digital literacy training to help new users stay connected

Final Words

GetInternet.gov opens the door to affordable connectivity for qualifying households — start your application today and explore free laptops for families in need to make the most of your new connection.