Where can I get reliable reduced-cost Internet access for remote learning?
Answer
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit created in early 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has transitioned to the Affordable Connectivity Program as of March 2022. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. All major internet companies provide access to this program.
Other reduced cost programs:
- Comcast offers the Internet Essentials program offering 50/10 Mbps Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax.
- Cox: The Connect2Compete program that offers $9.95/month internet service for K-12 households.
- AT&T's Access program offer in conjunction with the Affordable Connectivity Program offers free installation and service for $30/month or less.
- Charter Spectrum offers Internet Assist that provides eligible applicants internet service for $5/month.
- T-Mobile provides T-MobileConnect and Project10Million for K-12 households.
- Verizon offers the Lifeline discount program for $20/month.
California Community College Internet Programs
- California Connects: California Community Colleges students are eligible for this mobile hotspot service powered by Sprint, which offers nationwide 4G LTE connectivity and allows users to connect up to 10 WiFi enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge for only $19.99 a month.
- CENIC: CENIC, the internet carriers provider for all California Community Colleges, maintains updated information on low cost and free internet access options options. The information can be viewed on their Google document.
Please check with your current mobile or internet provider for additional complimentary internet services as these can change daily.