Finding Low-Cost Internet - a Guide

Looking for a new Internet provider?

Whether for work, school, healthcare, communicating with loved ones, or making purchases, many of us use the Internet daily, if not several times per day. It’s an essential service—but it can be difficult to maintain a reliable Internet connection while on a budget. How much Internet service costs may vary depending on your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and chosen plan, but most households can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per month. The good news is, if you’re on a tight budget, you have options to lower your monthly bill. Here, we’ll introduce you to Optimum’s affordable Internet options and explain how they work. 

How to Get Affordable Internet at Home

First things first: Internet doesn’t have to be expensive. Optimum has several affordable home Internet options designed to fit comfortably within a budget. The most affordable plan available to all is the Optimum 300 Mbps, which offers fast speeds, 24/7 support, and 99.9% reliability.* Plus, all of the necessary equipment is included at no additional cost to you. 

Outside of choosing this plan, there are even more ways you may be able to lower your bill, which we’ll detail below. 

Take Advantage of This Federal Program 

Optimum is a proud participant in the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program helps eligible customers pay for Internet service with a credit of up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month for households on Tribal Lands). It helps ensure U.S. households can afford the connections they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

You may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you or someone in your household meets one of the following criteria, which are based on Federal Government rules:

• Receives SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid or is eligible to participate in another one of the FCC’s Lifeline qualifying programs
• Gross annual household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Receives free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Enrolled in a school that offers free school breakfast and lunch to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Note: most New York City public schools apply!
• Federal Pell Grant recipient in the current award year
• Receives Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefit

If you are eligible for the ACP and apply your credit to Optimum Internet, your selected plan may be heavily discounted or even free. You can also apply your ACP credit to Optimum Mobile service to reduce mobile Internet costs. Learn more about the ACP with Optimum Mobile here. 

However, please remember each household can only receive one affordable connectivity benefit. The benefit cannot be transferred to another individual or household, even if they qualify. For more information or to verify your eligibility, visit GetInternet.gov. 

How Long Will ACP Be Available For?

ACP does not have indefinite funding. The FCC projects the ACP will run out of its currently available funds by sometime in 2024. Once it runs out, People with ACP discounts will be charged the "regular, undiscounted rate” for their Internet service.