Internet Providers That Offer Special Deals to Students

When the pandemic struck in 2020, the internet became a critical requirement for every household and individual. But what if we told you that some students lacked access to basic internet facilities at their homes to attend their online classes? Many reports were released in 2020, openly discussing the digital divide, which impacted students from low-income families or neighborhoods in the US.

A study revealed that over 4.4 million US households with school-aged children did not have access to the digital world. According to the same study, 34% of surveyors did not have access to the internet because they were not able to afford it.

The monthly cost of an internet subscription in the US could be around $75. Every month, any family must pay between $60 and $90 for high-speed internet. With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the Federal Communications Commission has made it simple for low-income households to save up to $30 per month on their internet bills if the eligibility criteria are met.

To improve accessibility, some internet service providers offer student discounts to children who need internet for school but cannot afford it.

In this article, we have listed some well-known internet providers who offer such student-friendly deals or are associated with federal programs, allowing families to use a cheap internet connection. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and requirements.

Cox

Connect2Compete is a popular Cox program in which affordable yet dependable internet connections are provided to low-income families with children. The price starts at $9.95 per month and is ideal for connecting up to five devices at once. This includes a modem that must be returned to the company when the services are canceled. However, the eligibility criteria must be met to avail of this offer.

Xfinity

Xfinity provides college students and low-income families with reliable and affordable internet service. The student deal begins with internet plans starting at $25 per month. An individual must, however, register on the website with their college/school information. 

Xfinity provides a dependable connection, high-speed internet, self-installation equipment, and other services. Their plan begins at $10 per month. However, registration and an eligibility check are required.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s Project 100 Million provides 100 GB of free internet per year for five years, along with a free hotspot, making it an excellent choice for families who cannot afford high-speed internet at home. There’s no annual fee or re-certification required for the program. To be eligible, your family or a family member must show proof of enrollment in a federal program, as well as a school ID number and other pertinent information. 

Spectrum

Spectrum is a low-cost option for every American household because it offers excellent plans based on an individual’s needs and budget. One of Spectrum’s best-known plans costs $49.99 per month and includes 300 Mbps internet, advanced Wi-Fi, and an unlimited mobile line. 

Individuals who sign up for this plan also receive a free modem and antivirus software. This is a great plan for a family, and if you are enrolled in the ACP, you will receive a $30 monthly reimbursement.

Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband offers ultra-fast internet for $25 per month for a year with a one-year price lock-in. This plan includes free installation, a free modem, and a Wi-Fi router, as well as a download speed of up to 100 Mbps. 

The company also waives up to $30 per month if an individual qualifies for the affordable connectivity program, making it simple for families to save money on their internet plans. Families can even customize their plans based on their needs, such as the number of devices that must be connected, their location, and other factors.

AT&T

AT&T is a well-known brand in the United States, offering high-speed, dependable internet access for streaming on multiple devices, sharing videos, photos, and more. Their cheapest plan starts at $55 per month and connects 3-4 devices at once with a download speed of around 25 Mbps. 

Individuals, families, and students who qualify for government plans such as ACP and Lifeline can receive discounts or amounts waived off up to $30-35 on their monthly bills.

PCs for People

Some organizations also work to provide students with low-cost internet access. PCs for People is one such organization, with monthly internet costs of around $15, effectively resulting in free internet with ACP. A photo ID and documentation demonstrating enrollment in any federal government income-based program are required to qualify. People who live in remote areas or on tribal lands can also explore the plan.

Many internet service providers require proper documentation from families registered with at least one of the government programs. This includes but is not limited to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), public housing, SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program), TANF (temporary assistance for needy families), and Medicaid, among others. Once your family or a family member is enrolled in such a program, many internet providers are willing to offer reduced prices and special deals for students in need of a stable internet connection.