Section 8 Assist

Paying More Than $10 For Internet? See Why You Shouldn’t

Is the COVID-19 pandemic making it hard to pay your monthly Internet bill? Since you’ll need it for work and school, here’s where to get it a lot cheaper.

How much do you pay each month for Internet? Whatever the amount, you probably wish it was lower so you could cut your monthly costs, especially during these tough pandemic times. And while you could have cut your Internet altogether in the past to save money, that may not be possible now. Why? Because you probably need it for work and school purposes.

It’s no secret that COVID-19 caused us to shift our lives when it comes to work and school. Many offices were shut down initially as a safety precaution. And since companies saw that working from home was practical and affordable, many have decided to make this move permanent. So if you need to work from home, you’ll need the Internet.

What about kids and school? Most schools closed down and are still limited to online learning, making home Internet a must if you have children.

How can you get the Internet you need at extremely low prices? Here are some options where you’ll pay as little as $9.95 a month, which should fit nicely within your budget.

Access from AT&T

  • Free installation
  • No deposit
  • No annual contract
  • $10 per month or less
  • You get the fastest Internet speed available based on your location
  • Can get a limited time speed upgrade up to 25Mbps if you’re a current customer
  • Home Internet data overage fees are waived due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Eligibility can be based on income or if you already qualify for National School Lunch and Head Start Programs, SNAP, or SSI

Comcast Internet Essentials

  • Free self-install kit
  • No credit check
  • No contract
  • New customers get two months of free service
  • $9.95 per month plus tax
  • You can qualify if you’re eligible for public assistance like SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, housing, National School Lunch Program, etc.
  • When you’re away from home, you also get access to free Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots to stay connected on the go

Mediacom Connect 2 Compete

  • No contract
  • No deposit
  • No installation fees
  • No equipment rental fees
  • Wi-Fi modem included at no cost
  • $9.95 per month plus tax
  • Speeds up to 25 Mbps
  • Eligibility is as simple as your child qualifying for free or reduced lunches through the National School Lunch Program

Verizon Lifeline

  • The most expensive option, yet still affordable
  • Offers a $20 monthly discount for Internet through Verizon’s fiber-optic network
  • Fast speeds up to 200Mbps
  • $19.99 per month plus tax and equipment charges
  • Discovery+ programming for three months as a bonus
  • Ideal for families who want to download tons of movies and shows in addition to using the Internet for work and study purposes

Your Current Internet Provider

  • Use this option if you want to keep the Internet service you currently have while paying less per month
  • Contact the provider and explain your situation and how the pandemic has changed your finances for the worse
  • Ask if there are any discounts for Internet service or payment plans to lower your monthly bill
  • Try canceling to see if that causes them to offer a discount to retain you as a customer