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

Millions of American households struggle to afford reliable internet — and with the Affordable Connectivity Program ending in 2024, that gap has grown wider. A recent Pew Research study found that lower-income adults are significantly less likely to have home broadband, making affordable alternatives more critical than ever. GetInternet.gov was created to connect eligible households with low-cost and subsidized internet options still available today. If you're also looking at ways to cut costs beyond connectivity, check out our tips on lowering household bills and finding free laptops for families in need. Here's everything you need to know — let's get started!

Jump to

• Quick Answer
• Summary Table
• Full Listing

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. Human-I-T Plans

Human-I-T is a nonprofit alternative to getinternet.gov that connects low-income households with affordable internet and refurbished devices. If you're exploring government-subsidized connectivity options, Human-I-T fills gaps where federal programs fall short by bundling low-cost broadband with device access and digital literacy support. Plans are designed specifically for income-qualified individuals who may not meet ACP or other federal program criteria.

What you get:

• Low-cost internet starting around $15/month
• Refurbished computers available for qualifying households
• Free digital skills training included

2. Lifeline Program

The Lifeline Program is a federal FCC benefit that reduces monthly phone or internet bills by up to $9.25 for eligible low-income households, making it a direct complement to getinternet.gov resources. Qualifying criteria mirror most federal assistance programs — Medicaid, SNAP, or income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. Lifeline can stack with other subsidies in some cases, lowering costs further.

Key details:

• Up to $9.25/month discount on qualifying broadband or phone service
• Up to $34.25/month for residents on Tribal lands
• Apply through USAC's National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org

3. Xfinity Internet Essentials

Xfinity Internet Essentials is one of the most widely available low-income broadband options for households seeking affordable connectivity through programs like getinternet.gov. Available to households with at least one member qualifying for public assistance programs, it offers consistent speeds suitable for remote work, schoolwork, and video calls. Xfinity has served over 10 million low-income households since the program launched.

Notable perks:

• Starting at $9.95/month for qualifying households
• 25 Mbps download speeds (upgradeable)
• No credit check, no contract required

4. AT&T Access

AT&T Access is a low-cost internet program designed for qualifying households, making it a practical alternative or supplement to programs like getinternet.gov. Income-eligible customers — including those participating in SNAP or SSI — can get home broadband for as little as $10/month, helping bridge the digital divide for families who struggle to afford standard internet plans.

Key details:

• Plans start at $10/month for eligible households
• No annual contract or equipment deposit required
• Available in AT&T service areas only

5. Cox Connect2Compete

Cox Connect2Compete targets K–12 students from low-income families, offering affordable broadband that complements federal connectivity efforts tied to getinternet.gov. Qualifying households pay around $9.95/month for home internet, helping students complete schoolwork and access online educational resources without relying solely on government subsidy programs.

Key details:

• ~$9.95/month for eligible families with school-age children
• No credit check or installation fee
• Available in Cox service areas across 18+ states

6. Mediacom Connect2Compete

Mediacom's Connect2Compete program offers a distinct low-cost broadband option for households with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program — useful for families exploring cheap home internet options beyond getinternet.gov. Service runs around $9.95/month, covering basic browsing speeds sufficient for homework and video calls in Mediacom's Midwest and Southeast coverage zones.

Key details:

• ~$9.95/month with no term contract
• Requires National School Lunch Program enrollment
• Limited to Mediacom service areas (primarily rural Midwest/Southeast)

7. Optimum Advantage

Optimum Advantage is a low-cost broadband program that qualifies as an ACP-compatible provider, making it relevant for households applying through getinternet.gov. Eligible customers in Optimum's service areas can receive discounted or free internet service when their ACP benefit is applied. The program targets low-income households, including those receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying assistance.

Key details:

• Speeds up to 50 Mbps for eligible households
• ACP benefit covers the full monthly cost for qualifying customers
• Available in select Northeast and Southeast U.S. markets

8. Verizon Lifeline/Fios Discount

Verizon participates in both the federal Lifeline program and previously accepted ACP benefits through getinternet.gov, offering discounted home internet to qualifying low-income customers. Fios Lifeline discounts can reduce monthly broadband costs significantly for eligible households. Applicants must verify eligibility through the National Verifier before applying the discount to a Verizon account.

What you get:

• Lifeline discount of up to $9.25/month on qualifying plans
• Available where Fios fiber service is deployed
• Stackable with other assistance programs where permitted

9. Internet First

Internet First is Mediacom's low-income internet program, accepted as a participating provider under the federal affordable connectivity framework connected to getinternet.gov. It offers qualifying households broadband access at reduced rates, primarily serving rural and suburban communities in the Midwest and Southeast. Eligibility follows standard federal assistance program criteria, including SNAP, SSI, and income-based qualifications.

Notable perks:

• Monthly cost as low as $9.95 after assistance is applied
• Download speeds of 100 Mbps on qualifying plans
• No annual contract or equipment deposit required

10. Sparklight Lift

Sparklight Lift is a low-cost internet program designed for income-qualifying households, making it a practical alternative or supplement to getinternet.gov's ACP-linked options. Sparklight serves rural and mid-sized markets often overlooked by larger providers, offering discounted broadband to eligible customers who may not find coverage through federal programs alone.

Key details:

• Discounted plans for qualifying low-income households
• Available in select rural and suburban Sparklight service areas
• Can stack with federal assistance where eligible

11. New York Affordable Broadband Act

New York's Affordable Broadband Act requires ISPs to offer low-income residents internet service for $15–$20/month, functioning as a state-level counterpart to what getinternet.gov does federally. Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level qualify, making this one of the strongest state-side safety nets for affordable connectivity in the country.

What to know:

• $15/month for speeds up to 25 Mbps; $20/month for up to 200 Mbps
• Applies to major NY providers including Spectrum and Optimum
• No federal enrollment required — apply directly through your ISP

12. California Broadband for All

California's Broadband for All initiative is a statewide infrastructure and affordability effort that complements federal programs like those listed on getinternet.gov, targeting underserved communities with expanded access and subsidy options. The state has committed over $6 billion to close the digital divide, particularly in rural counties and low-income urban areas where federal assistance alone falls short.

Notable aspects:

• $6 billion investment via CASF and federal matching funds
• Partners with local ISPs to extend service to unconnected areas
• Connects with Lifeline and ACP enrollment pathways

13. Wave

Wave is a free internet service provider operating in select U.S. markets, making it a potential option for households seeking affordable or no-cost connectivity through programs like GetInternet.gov. Eligible low-income households may qualify for subsidized or free service through federal assistance programs, and Wave participates in broadband benefit initiatives in its coverage areas. Check availability by ZIP code before applying.

Key details:

• Serves parts of the Pacific Northwest and select metro areas
• Offers plans potentially covered by ACP-successor subsidies
• Contact Wave directly to confirm current federal program participation

14. Grande)

Grande Communications provides broadband service primarily in Texas, where qualifying low-income residents may access subsidized internet through federal connectivity programs linked via GetInternet.gov. As a regional ISP, Grande offers plans that may align with household eligibility requirements for government internet assistance. Texas residents should verify current program enrollment through the official GetInternet.gov portal to confirm Grande's participation and check local availability.

Key details:

• Service area covers central Texas cities including Austin, San Antonio, and Midland
• Plans start around $35–$55/month before any subsidies applied
• Use GetInternet.gov to determine current discount program eligibility

Final Words

These 14 GetInternet.gov options make finding subsidized connectivity straightforward — whether you need basic browsing or reliable home internet. Explore affordable phone plans to bundle your savings even further.