Disponible en: Español

Published On: April 6th, 2020By

Companies Providing Free and Low-Cost Internet Services

Disponible en: Español

COVID-19 has created a new “normal” for everyone, including education. Aldine ISD’s Return to Learn plan has all students learning at home for the first three weeks of the 2020-2021 school year. Currently, the plan has schools opening on September 8. Students whose families opted for them to receive instructional learning on campus will return to a classroom setting following all the recommendations and guidelines provided by local and state health departments and the CDC. Families that chose to have their students learn at home will continue with the online platform. Whichever learning model students choose or if there is a need to return to all virtual learning, our families need accessible internet at home. However, not everyone has access to home internet service.

We have compiled a list of several internet providers and wireless companies that have announced measures to offer free WiFi and other technology services during this time. Below are some options to access free and low-cost internet:

AT&T Access

https://www.att.com/internet/access/

Unlimited AT&T Home Internet – All AT&T consumer home internet wireline and Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data.  Additionally, they will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through their Access from AT&T program. They have expanded eligibility to Access from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, we’re offering new Access from AT&T customers two months of free service.

Comcast

https://www.internetessentials.com/

  • Internet Essentials Program: The Internet Essentials program from Comcast allows qualifying customers to purchase an affordable 15 Mbps plan at just $9.95 per month. The service also includes free in-home WiFi and is available without a credit check. To be eligible for the Internet Essentials program, you must have at least one child eligible for the National School Lunch program and meet several other criteria.
  • K-12 Educational Content on X1: For those with school-age students at home, we’ve created new educational collections for all grade levels in partnership with Common Sense Media. Just say “education” into your X1 or Flex voice remote.
    • When households sign up for Internet Essentials, they need to put Aldine ISD as an Internet Essentials auto-approved school district. It means that households in Aldine ISD don’t have to show proof of being on federal assistance.
  • Xfinity WiFi Free For All (https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/open-xfinity-wifi-hotspots): Xfinity WiFi hotspots can be found in businesses and outdoor locations across the country. They are available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

Pausing Data Plans: Comcast is pausing data plans for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge.

Verizon

The company offers ultra-fast speeds of Fios for less through its Lifeline Discount Program (https://www.verizon.com/info/low-income-internet/)

Cricket Wireless

For information and COVID-19 updates and services, visit cricketwireless.com/covid-19.

Spectrum 

Offering Spectrum Internet Assist (https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist.html), a high-speed broadband program to eligible low-income households. The program requires that families have a child eligible for the National School Lunch Program

Additionally, Spectrum os assisting communities and families in need (https://www.spectrum.net/support/covid-19-community-assistance/

Suddenlink 

Suddenlink offers Altice Advantage Internet (https://www.alticeadvantageinternet.com/), which is a low-cost internet plan and low-cost laptops. You may qualify for Altice Advantage Internet if you or a member of your household is: Eligible for or participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); or a New York City resident and attends a New York City public school; or eligible for or receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and 65 years of age or older; or a veteran and receive state or federal public assistance. Visit their website for additional information about Altice Advantage Internet.

About the Author: Valonia Walker, APR

Senior Communications Specialist