Free and Low-Cost Internet Options

Affordable Connectivity Program 

All families with a student enrolled in a DOE school or program are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers monthly discounts up to $30 on internet bills, and a one-time device discount up to $100 with participating providers. 

This program, launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is a replacement to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which provided broadband internet service for eligible New York City households at a reduced cost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To apply for this program, confirm your household’s eligibility, and find participating broadband internet providers, visit the ACP website. Families may also call the ACP helpline at (877) 384-2575.

There are several free or low-cost internet options available to New York City students and families.

Free Internet for Your Home

The following internet carriers are offering free household Wi-Fi or special accommodations for 60 days:

• Comcast
• Charter Communications/Spectrum
• Altice

Learn more about the above at NYC.gov.

Free Internet Locations in NYC

There are many places across the city where you can go to connect to internet for free. Locations include:

• All branches of the New York Public Library
• Several public spaces in Lower Manhattan
• LinkNYC kiosks across the City

Low-Cost Internet Plans

The following internet plans are available to eligible participants. Eligibility varies by provider. Contact the provider for more information.

Altice (also known as Optimum)

Altice offers Altice Advantage, a plan that starts at $14.99/month. To qualify, you must be:

• eligible for--or participate in--the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); or
• a New York City resident who attends a New York City public school; or
• eligible for--or receive--Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and 65 years of age or older; or
• a veteran and receive state or federal public assistance.

Charter (also known as Spectrum)

Charter offers Spectrum Internet Assist, a plan that starts at $14.99/month. To qualify, one or more members of your household must be a recipient of one of the following assistance programs:

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) 
• Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP 
• Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+ only) 

Verizon

Verizon offers the Lifeline program, a plan that starts at $19.99/month. To qualify:

• Your annual income is at 135% or less than of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines
• You, or someone in your household, participates in a qualifying federal assistance program:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps), or
  • Medicaid, or
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) 
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit 
  • Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)

For more eligibility information, visit Lifelinesupport.org

Wi-Fi Hotspots for Existing Cable Customers

Learn more at cablewifi.com