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

Millions of low-income households lost their $30/month subsidy when the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024 — but affordable internet options still exist. A Pew Research fact sheet shows broadband adoption gaps persist most sharply among lower-income Americans, making programs like those listed on GetInternet.gov more critical than ever. Whether you're budgeting carefully or exploring ways of lowering your electric bill and other household costs, pairing a discounted internet plan with affordable cell phone plans can dramatically cut monthly expenses. Here are the 10 best options available 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. FCC Lifeline

The FCC Lifeline program is one of the federal government's core tools for making broadband affordable, and it works alongside getinternet.gov as a complementary subsidy. Eligible low-income households receive up to $9.25/month off internet or phone service, with Tribal lands qualifying for up to $34.25/month. You can apply through participating carriers or verify eligibility at getinternet.gov before enrolling.

Key details:

• Discount: Up to $9.25/month (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands)
• Eligibility: Income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines, or enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or similar programs
• Cannot be combined with the Affordable Connectivity Program on the same service

2. Xfinity Internet Essentials

Xfinity Internet Essentials is a low-cost broadband plan specifically designed for income-qualified households, making it a practical next step after checking eligibility through getinternet.gov. The program provides 25 Mbps download speeds for around $9.95/month before any federal discounts are applied. Qualifying customers can also receive a discounted computer purchase option.

What you get:

• Speed: 25 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload
• Price: ~$9.95/month (free with ACP benefit applied)
• Eligibility: Participation in public assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance

3. AT&T Access

AT&T Access is AT&T's income-based internet program, listed among the low-cost options accessible through the federal getinternet.gov portal for households seeking affordable connectivity. It offers speeds up to 25 Mbps for approximately $10/month, and eligible customers can reduce that cost further by applying available federal subsidies. Qualification is based on enrollment in SNAP or other assistance programs.

Notable perks:

• Price: ~$10/month before subsidies
• Speed: Up to 25 Mbps download
• No annual contract or data caps on qualifying plans

4. Spectrum Internet Assist

Spectrum Internet Assist is a low-income broadband program that qualifies as an approved provider under the federal affordable connectivity framework, making it directly relevant to households exploring getinternet-gov options. Eligible households receive 30 Mbps download speeds with no contracts, no data caps, and no price increases — at $14.99/month before any government subsidy is applied.

Key details:

• Qualifies via Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or National School Lunch Program
• No modem or router rental fees
• Available in Spectrum service areas across 41+ states

5. Cox ConnectAssist

Cox ConnectAssist offers budget-priced internet for income-qualifying households as part of the same ecosystem of subsidized plans promoted through getinternet-gov-affiliated resources. At $9.95/month, it provides 50 Mbps speeds — a practical option for families who need reliable connectivity without committing to standard retail pricing.

What you get:

• 50 Mbps download speed at $9.95/month
• Eligibility tied to SNAP, Medicaid, or public housing assistance
• No annual contract required

6. Human-I-T Plans

Human-I-T bridges a gap that getinternet-gov alone doesn't cover: device access. Many low-income households approved for subsidized internet still lack a working computer or tablet. Human-I-T provides refurbished devices bundled with discounted internet service plans, targeting households earning under 200% of the federal poverty level. You can also explore free government benefits for seniors that may stack with Human-I-T eligibility.

Notable perks:

• Refurbished laptops and desktops from $75–$150
• Bundled low-cost internet plans in select service areas
• Digital literacy training included at no extra cost

7. Mediacom Connect2Compete

Mediacom Connect2Compete is a low-cost internet program that qualifies households through the same federal eligibility standards used by getinternet.gov. Families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or receiving SNAP benefits can get home broadband for around $9.95/month, making it a direct alternative or complement to ACP-backed plans listed through the government portal.

Key details:

• ~$9.95/month for qualifying low-income households
• Speeds up to 25 Mbps — sufficient for remote learning and basic video calls
• Available in Mediacom service areas across rural Midwest and Southeast regions

8. Verizon Fios Discount

Verizon Fios participates in federally subsidized broadband programs aligned with getinternet.gov's mission of expanding affordable connectivity. Eligible customers can apply ACP or Lifeline credits directly to Fios fiber plans, effectively reducing monthly costs to $0–$30 depending on the tier selected. Fios fiber infrastructure delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, which matters for households with multiple simultaneous users.

What you get:

• 200 Mbps symmetric plan starting around $49.99/month before subsidy
• ACP benefit reduces bill by up to $30/month for eligible households
• No data caps on any Fios tier

9. Optimum ACP-Compatible Plans

Optimum accepts Affordable Connectivity Program benefits, making it one of the ISPs you can select after verifying eligibility through getinternet.gov. Serving the Northeast and parts of the South, Optimum applies the federal $30/month discount (or $75 for Tribal lands) to qualifying cable internet plans. This can bring entry-level service to near-zero cost for income-eligible households.

Notable perks:

• 300 Mbps starter plan eligible for ACP discount
• No contracts required on most residential plans
• Tribal land households receive up to $75/month subsidy

10. California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot

California residents seeking low-cost internet access through getinternet.gov may also qualify for the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot, a state-run program that complements federal connectivity initiatives. While the federal ACP has ended, California's program continues offering discounted home broadband to income-eligible households, making it a critical alternative for residents who registered through the federal portal.

Key details:

• Available to households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Discounts applied directly to monthly broadband bills through participating carriers
• Stacks with other state assistance programs for maximum savings

Final Words

GetInternet.gov opens the door to affordable connectivity for households that need it most — explore all 10 options and pair your benefits with cheapest home internet providers to maximize your savings.