The internet is no longer just a source of information. It has evolved into a more intricate system which not only provides information but also helps you pay your bills, promotes your business, and connects to people across the globe helping you understanding different cultures. You can also sign up for online courses and learn on the go. The internet has not just improved our lives, it has also help us complete tasks effectively and efficiently.
People of all generations have observed a marked difference in the way we live and interact with others. The elders, who were there for the first TV have seen a huge change, but that is not to say that the young generation haven’t. Moving from 2G to 3G and then to 4G they too have felt the change. The internet has changed our perceptions about shopping, mail, social groups, paying bills, getting food, everything! Gone are the days when we needed to stand in a queue to pay bills. Social platforms have also changed how we socialize with other people.
That said, it can’t be denied that access to internet is a basic human right. There may still be people in US that don’t have a connection, and while once getting one in remote areas was impossible it isn’t anymore. In addition to this, you’d be happy to learn that it doesn’t even have to be that expensive. Here are ways you can get discount on your internet connection.
Government Assistance Programs
Being a developed country means your government cares about your well-being and is putting in money to improve it. In the US you can easily get a flat discount or subsidy of $9.25 on your internet bill under the Lifeline program. Each household gets one discount. To be eligible, you must be listed in the following programs:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Medicaid
- Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
If you’re not registered with these programs you can still get the $9.25 discount based on your income. If you earn equal to or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, you are eligible for the Lifeline program. All you have to do is prove you qualify by providing your income slip and submitting a couple of other documents that you can easily find online.
Low Cost Internet by ISPs
If you don’t qualify for the Lifeline program, fret not there are still ways you can get a good internet connection at affordable rates from internet service providers. Those that offer discounts include Xfintiy, Spectrum, Cox, Mediacom, AT&T and Centurylink.
Xfinity’s has the Internet Essentials program which offers 25Mbps internet connection along with free Wi-Fi in home for the low price of $9.95.
In addition to this, if you qualify for the program it also offers low cost computers which is great. Spectrum’s low cost internet program is called Internet Assist. For the low price of just $14.99, the ISP offers 30Mbps connection along with unlimited data and no contract. They offer services over a vast area of land.
Cox’s Connect2Compete program, is targeted towards K-12 students. If you have a child enrolled in grade 1 to 12, you can get their connection for $9.95 a month.
You can easily find the details to the programs each one offers on their sites or by contacting their customer support. Bear in mind that not all areas have all the ISPs so you must research well. For example, a service that offers high speed internet Spectrum, may not be as effective in another area.
Final Word
Unlimited opportunities have been unlocked in a short span of time after the internet became mainstream. Many agile business frameworks have been developed and many different domains of businesses begun which people could have never imagined before. The internet has also provided people with the opportunity to learn anything free-of-cost through online courses, open libraries, e-books and more.
In these changing times, internet has become more important than it ever was. It is a necessity and a basic human right. While it may seem expensive, government subsidies and programs by ISP make it affordable. So, get your connection today!
