How do I get free high-speed internet at home?

Most of the free and low-cost internet plans offered by ISPs give you internet connections with speeds around 5 Mbps to 25 Mbps, although they are typically slower than the paid plans ISPs offer. To figure out which plans will work best for your household, find out how much speed you need.

How do I find free internet near me?

You can find free or discounted internet through many nationwide service providers, including Xfinity, Cox, AT&T, Mediacom, Spectrum, and Optimum.

How can you get free internet through the government?

The FCC Lifeline program can provide reduced-cost or even no-cost internet access. You can go to the Lifeline Support site to check your eligibility and to apply to the program. You can also check out our in-depth analysis of government programs for free and low-cost internet.

How can students get free internet?

Nearly all the programs mentioned above are available for low-income families with school-age children, though the Connect2Compete program focuses specifically on providing free and reduced-cost internet for students. Both Cox and Mediacom participate in the Connect2Compete program.

How can seniors and veterans get free internet?

Seniors can get free internet through the FCC Lifeline program if they participate in the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Many programs, such as the Comcast Internet Essentials program and EveryoneOn, also provide free or affordable training courses for seniors.

How can I get free lifetime internet access?

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many emergency assistance programs currently available. But if you want completely free internet access for the rest of your life, your best options are NetZero or FreedomPop. You can also work toward other long-term solutions for affordable internet, such as building a community mesh network or working with organizations like ConnectHomeUSA in starting a digital inclusion program in your area.

How can I lower the cost of my current internet connection?

Low-income internet access programs make a big impact, but they don’t cover everyone who needs help with their bills. It also takes a lot of time and effort to switch providers, which is something not everyone has in abundance. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can try in order to lower your current monthly bill. You can find out more in our look at how to save money on your internet.

Internet Provider Comparisons, Speed & Streaming Guides, and FAQs

Pennies and nickels floating on a white surface

How To Get Free and Low-Cost Internet

by Peter Christiansen | Feb 25, 2025 | Brand Guides

What internet providers offer free internet for your home? Browse free internet options for students, seniors, or low income households.

7 Signs of a Hacked Router and How to Fix It

by Kevin Parrish | Feb 25, 2025 | How-To, Internet Speed Guides

See if you have a hacked router and learn how to safeguard your data and devices against future attacks.

african american woman using her laptop to study

Everything You Need to Know About AT&T Hotspots

by Peter Holslin | Feb 24, 2025 | Product Reviews

We’ve got the scoop on AT&T’s best hotspots, data plans, and more.

Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Seniors

by Peter Christiansen | Feb 24, 2025 | Brand Guides, Equipment Guides

Many providers offer discounts on internet for senior citizens. Read more about internet plans and discounts for senior citizens.

T-Mobile’s $300 Virtual Prepaid Mastercard Offer Is a Real Steal

by Kevin Parrish | Feb 20, 2025 | Sponsored

Receive a Virtual Prepaid Mastercard when you get a qualifying T-Mobile 5G Home Internet plan.

Taking T-Mobile’s direct-to-device satellite texting for a spin

by Chili Palmer | Feb 20, 2025 | News

Learn about our real-world testing of T-Mobile’s satellite text messaging service.

Internet Installation

by HSI Staff | Feb 19, 2025 | FAQ

Once you’ve made the decision to upgrade to a broadband internet connection, you’ll have to either...

DSL vs. Fiber Internet: Which One Is Right for You?

by Peter Holslin | Feb 19, 2025 | FAQ

Fiber is fast but do you need it? We compare fiber and DSL internet to help you decide which provider type is the best for your internet needs.

Woman at home searching for an internet service provider on laptop

Kinetic Internet Self-Installation Guide

by Erin Feldman | Feb 18, 2025 | Brand Guides, Equipment Guides

This ISP provides internet service via DSL, which makes the self-installation process relatively easy. DSL service runs on existing phone lines, meaning all you need to do to get internet service is sign up with Windstream and connect a modem or modem-router to a phone jack. Once you run through the installation steps, you’ll be ready in no time to pin, purchase, and tweet to your heart’s content.

birds eye view of family on couch using multiple devices

Which Internet Service Providers Have Data Caps?

by Peter Holslin and Kevin Parrish | Feb 18, 2025 | Brand Guides

Data should flow freely like a mountain stream trickling downhill, but some internet providers block that flow after a set limit. We list the internet providers that enforce data caps and those that don’t.

Can I Install Internet by Myself?

by Peter Holslin | Feb 18, 2025 | Brand Guides

You can install internet by yourself if your home is wired properly for internet service and...

NETGEAR Orbi RBK853 Review

by Kevin Parrish | Feb 14, 2025 | Equipment Guides, Router Reviews

The Orbi RBK853 is an expensive mesh system but delivers based on our tests. We dig in deep.

Find Internet Providers Near You