Are you wondering how you can get internet for free? Chances are that you are not alone. For most people, the internet has proved to be very effective as far as work and school are concerned. The proliferation of modern tech devices has made life easier and more comfortable. As we speak, you can work from home as long as you have a computer and a laptop. Better still, you can study from home or in any other location as long as you have a computer or laptop with a good internet connection.
Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a subsidy program available for all tiers of various Internet service providers, including Internet Essentials. The good news is that you can get free internet and save some money. In fact, most internet service providers are now provider discount under Affordable Connectivity Program. So, this article will outline some of the various ways on how to get the internet for free. This can help you save more money and still earn more if at all you normally work online.
Is Free Internet Worth it?
While free internet might seem to be a good idea for those who want to save more money on their monthly internet bills, it normally has its own limitations. To start with, there is a lot of restriction when it comes to the sites that you can visit online.
Therefore, as you purpose to consider free internet, you should be aware of the fact that you might experience such issues from time to time. For optimal results, you should consider looking for the best high-speed internet plan at a relatively low cost. This way, you will not experience a slow internet connection, among other issues. However, as a first-time user of the internet, you can give the free internet a shot and see how it goes. It has worked well for some in the past.
Can You Get Internet for Free Legally?
Yes. However, little is known about this scenario. However, most of the major internet service providers normally have low-cost internet programs. At some point, you might be able to pick up some free internet by bundling services such as TV and phone.
Other times, you might come across a low-priced internet package that meets all your internet needs. All you need to part with is just a small amount of money, and you will be good to go. Also, most internet providers normally have free Wi-Fi hotspots in different places.
Although this free internet is legal, you have to know it exists as it is hardly advertised out there. You can contact your service provider so that you can get the finer details about their free internet plans and so on.
List Of Internet Service Providers Offer Affordable Or Free Internet Access At Home
Now that you have known that you can enjoy free internet out there, chances are that you are wondering how you can get it. After all, if you are operating on a budget, you would not dismiss an idea such as the free internet as this will help you save more. Here are a number of providers who can offer affordable or free internet to you.
1. HBC
To start with, you will note that HBC is one of the companies that signed the FCC’s pledge. The good news is that it has pledged to waive late fees and not terminate its services as a result of not paying in good time.
This internet service provider normally provides broadband internet service to eligible low-income earners through the Temporary Free Internet Assistance Program. Interestingly, the offer is available for both new and existing residential internet customers in the HBC service area. If you normally participate in the Telephone Assistance Program or National School Lunch Program, you can be sure that you will enjoy their program.
2. Comcast Xfinity
Just like the internet service provider mentioned above, it has pledged to waive late fees and not to terminate its services for non-payment. You will realize that this not only applies to Xfinity internet customers but also Xfinity Voice and Xfinity Mobile customers.
One can readily enjoy free internet at home through its Internet Essentials program. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, new customers who apply before June 30, 2020, will receive 60 days of free service. Thereafter, a monthly cost of $9.95 is applicable.
3. Charter Spectrum
As we speak, Spectrum is offering one of the best deals as far as the internet is concerned. Here, you can be sure that you will get free broadband and Wi-Fi, up to 100 Mbps for 60 days to different households with K-12.
Also, it offers these services to students who do not have Spectrum service. Fortunately, the installation and prepayment fees have been waived. This internet service provider offers its services in 41 states of the US. If you live in Austin, Los Angeles, or New York, you can be sure that you will enjoy this service seamlessly as it is more concentrated in these cities.
4. Suddenlink & Optimum
You will note that both Optimum and Suddenlink normally work under the same parent company. Customers using the internet from this service provider can now enjoy free internet for 60 days. This applies to households with students in college. If you do not have a home internet service, you can be eligible for the Altice Advantage 30 Mbps broadband solution.
5. AT&T
The above-mentioned service provider has signed the FCC’s pledge not to end the service for late or non-payments until June 30, 2020. In fact, it has suspended data caps for all the customers who utilize consumer home internet wireless service. This has also been extended to the Fixed Wireless internet customers. Here, customers will enjoy unlimited data from the comfort of their homes.
Besides this, it is waiving wireless voice and data overage fees for all its esteemed customers. It is focusing more on increasing data allotment for prepaid customers for 60 days. The internet service provider is also increasing its hotspot plan data allotment through June 30.
Currently, AT&T is offering free data plans for certain school-issues tablets for 60 days. Besides, it is creating a $10 million fund to support distance learning. This internet service provider is doing this as part of the COVID-19 response.
6. Sparklight
It is worth noting that this internet service provider has signed the FCC’s pledge not to terminate its service due to non-payment until June 30. Also, it is not charging late fees for defaulting payments. Interestingly, Sparklight is making its 15 Mbps residential service available for only $10 per month. This makes it easy for low-income families and college students to access the internet at an affordable rate.
7. Viasat
As a response to COVID-19, Viasat has signed the FCC pledge where it is waiving late fees to all its customers. Also, it is not terminating its services even if you have defaulted payments. This has actually enabled most of its customers to remain connected to the internet despite the COVID-19 disruption.
8. Cox
The above-mentioned internet service provider is now offering a discounted starter package where you will only need to pay $20 per month and get 50 Mbps. Under normal circumstances, you will only enjoy 10 Mbps for $30.Therefore, this is a good deal for starters out there.
Besides this, the company is now offering a low-income internet program, known as Connect2Complete. Here, you can trust that you will enjoy free internet for 2 months. After that, you will be paying $10 per month, and the speeds will increase to 50 Mbps. It is important to note that Cox is now available in 19 states. However, its internet coverage is strong in Virginia, California, and Arizona.
9. Mediacom
As part of the COVID-19 response, Mediacom signed the FCC’s pledge. By doing this, it pledged to waive late fees and opted not to terminate its services as a result of later payment or non-payment at all. Besides this, Mediacom is offering a low-cost internet program known as Mediacom Connect2Compete.
Here, you can trust that you will enjoy free internet for 60 days. All new qualifying families will now enjoy this program. Apart from this, it is temporarily suspending data caps. Finally, the internet service provider is now reducing the price of its Access Internet 60 service for new customers. Instead of paying $29.99 per month, they will be paying $19.99 for 12 months.
10. PCs for People
This internet service provider is now offering high-speed 4g LTE internet service at a relatively low cost. Here, you will be paying $15 per month. You can be sure that you will enjoy repaid plans with no credit checks or hidden fees. Also, their internet coverage is excellent, and therefore you will enjoy unlimited 4G LTE internet.
Besides the internet service, PCs for People also sell internet devices that will help you remain connected to their network. As long as you are eligible, you will be good to go.
11. Eagle Communications
If you are looking for a low-cost internet provider, look no further as Eagle communications is the best option for you. Instead of the actual internet cost of about $30-80 monthly, you can readily enjoy a high speed of 5 Mbps at the cost of $9.95 per month.
Also, you will get a free modem that you can use for a period of two years. With no data caps, you can be sure that you will enjoy all the benefits of surfing the internet from the comfort of your home. You will also get technical support from its in-house experts if you experience issues with the internet.
12. LifeLine BroadBand
If your income is near or below 135% of the federal poverty guides, Lifeline is here to help you with internet costs. If you take part in federal assistance programs or live in tribal lands, you can make eligible for this program. It is actually a government-sponsored program that works directly with internet providers to allow low-income individuals to access the internet with ease.
Eligible subscribers here will enjoy a discount of at least $9.25 per month off landline phone service, wireless phone service, bundled services or broadband. This program has not only helped seniors but also students who are schooling. This has made millions of Americans who earn a low income to enjoy a reliable and fast internet connection at an affordable fee.
Other Ways How to Get Free Wi-Fi at Home
FreedomPop For Free Internet
When it comes to generous plans to access the internet for free, FreedomPop carries the day. This is because they normally send you a small wireless router access point that allows you to access free internet on the go. The good news is that the device is very portable and only needs to be turned on so that you can access free internet.
For you to acquire this device, you should pay a certain deposit. However, if you can return the device within one year, you can be sure that you will get a full refund. If you choose to keep using the FreedomPop, you will be able to keep the device, and they will keep the deposit as payment for the device.
This internet provider will ensure that you get 500MB of free data every month with their free plan. If you are a light internet user, you can be sure that this plan will meet your needs. However, if you still need more data, you can consider choosing one of their other plans. In this case, you can consider their 2GB plan, which costs as low as $9.99 per month. This plan is still affordable to many people out there.
NetZero For Free Internet
One of the oldest internet providers out there is NetZero. It has actually been there since 1998. However, this internet provider is different from FreedomPop as with this internet provider, you will be able to access the internet through CD installation. Better still, you can use downloaded software instead of using a mobile router.
It is worth noting that NetZero normally limits its free internet access to 10 hours a month. Therefore, this option will work well for light internet users out there. Fortunately, it has no obligation policy. Here, you will not have to sign a contract to utilize their services.
The above-mentioned service provider offers other monthly plans that carry a particular monthly fee. For instance, the NetZero DSL Broadband allows you to enjoy a fast internet connection without tying up your landline. With just as low as $26.95 per month, you will be good to go. Other mobile plans that might excite you include:
- 200MB of data per month, which is totally free
- 500 MB of data per month. Here, you will pay $17.95 per month.
- 1 GB of data per month. Here, you will pay $27.45 per month.
Finally, there is the 2GB of data per month, where you will have to pay $45.95.All these are low-cost data plans that can help you browse the internet and still save more.
InstaBridge For Free Internet
This is a free internet app for your smartphone that provides you with Wi-Fi passwords and spots on the go. Initially, it was founded as a way to share your home Wi-Fi with friends on social media platforms such as Facebook. However, InstaBridge later changed to be one of the largest Wi-Fi sharing companies.
The good news is that it will show you the nearest places where you can access free Wi-Fi. Also, it will show you the distance you will cover to get there as well as the performance of that internet connection. The app will show you the one that will work well for you and will automatically connect you to the ones that work.
Mesh networks For Free Internet
When it comes to internet connection, most people normally consider buying routers. While this might seem to be a good idea, mesh networks is better than the routers themselves. In a traditional Wi-Fi network, you will realize that outers normally call the shots. The nodes here are normally connected in a linear pattern.
If you are using a router with Wi-Fi extenders, each extender will communicate to the router instead of other nodes on the network. Fortunately, Mesh networks normally work differently. Here, there is no central hub computer or switch that handles all the computer traffic. What happens is that each device on the mesh network can actually talk to every device.
These multiple relays quickly direct traffic across devices. As a result, it creates a mesh-like pattern of connectivity. As long as you have a single wired router within the coverage range of other nodes, the network will continue to operate and will not go offline until all the wired nodes are deactivated. With Mesh networks, you can be sure that all nodes will cooperatively distribute data.
Juno For Free Internet
The above-mentioned carrier also offers free internet to all its clients. Besides this, Juno offers several internet access plans. Its free plan is normally limited to ten hours per month.
Therefore, if you are a light user, you can consider this internet service provider. The good news is that you will not sign any contract for you to use this service.
Free Internet for Seniors: Lifeline
You might have heard about this government program in the past. Lifeline is basically a government program backed by the Federal Communications Commission, commonly known as FCC. It mainly provides monthly phone or internet service discounts to people who earn a low income in the US.
If you are eligible for this program, you can trust that you will enjoy a discount of at least $9.25 per month whether you are using wireless cell phone service, landline phone, bundled, or broadband services. It is worth noting that if you qualify, you have to choose a participating provider in your area and then sign up.
You have to provide proof of eligibility and then renew your Lifeline subscription annually. Also, you are only entitled to only one Lifeline benefit per household. Therefore, you have to choose between the internet, a phone, or a bundled service subsidy.
Free Internet For Students – Your School District
As we speak, students can now access free internet out there. You will note that Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox are some of the free internet providers for eligible K-12 students and college students in the US. These carriers also join other internet providers in waiving fees for those students who have not been able to make prompt payments due to the effects of coronavirus closures.
Colleges/Universities
If you live within the hostels of your university or college, you can readily enjoy free internet as most learning institutions normally have a good internet connection within the institution’s compound. All you need to know is the Wi-Fi password, and you can readily connect your computer or laptop to the internet.
In fact, most students normally use this internet to do their research and complete their assignments. However, this internet fee is normally factored in the fee structure of the college or university. The good news is that you will pay less and enjoy good internet anytime that you want to browse the internet within your college or university.
Public Space
Did you know that you can find free internet in public spaces? These include places such as car washes, libraries, and shopping centers. All you need to do is to switch on your Wi-Fi and then search for any hotspot within your area. Chances are that you will not miss some free Wi-Fi in most public spaces.
Everyoneon.org
You will note that Everyoneon.org is part of a government partnership with the Federal Communications Commission. Its program, commonly known as Connect2Complete is basically there to bring high-speed access to low-income communities across the US.
Interestingly, any low-income family that has a child in school can now apply to join the program. Also, anyone living in any of the over 14000 zip codes where the annual median income is under $35000 can readily apply to join this program.
Although this program is not entirely free, it is relatively cheaper compared to other commercial internet services. Here, members normally pay less than $10 a month. By paying this amount of money, you can be sure that you will enjoy internet bandwidth of at least 1 Mbps.
Besides offering affordable internet access, this program offers affordable computer classes and refurbished computers. Generally, it is a good program for those wondering how to get free internet at their homes.
Human-I-T
If you are looking for a way to be connected to the internet without paying too much, Human-I-T is there to help you. It is important to note that Human-I-T is fully funded to assist you in navigating the various hard-to-find low-cost internet offers out there.
With just $10 to $25 a month, you can be sure that you will enjoy a reliable and fast internet connection with no contract. The specialists here are always available to serve you. They speak both Spanish and English.
If you want your home to be connected to the internet, you can contact the customer support team at 562-372-6925. They will not only help you with internet connection but also with issues related to their internet services.
Get Free Internet Use a Hotspot Database App
The demand for free public hotspots is on the rise. Fortunately, there are several apps that can help you find a free public hotpot within your area. You will note that these apps contain a huge list of Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. In fact, some of them will show the different passwords for different hotspots out there. These hotspot database apps that you should consider using include:
WifiMapper For Free Internet
This is actually an excellent and easy-to-use hotspot database app that contains a long list of hotspots and information about them. For each of these hotspots, you will be able to display Foursquare and WifiMapper comments. Besides this, you will be able to display the hotspot’s type and its exact place. It is expected that in the future, developers will implement password sharing functionality and offline hotspots maps.
Wi-Fi Free Spot For Free Internet
This application is a free Wi-Fi manager that allows you to automatically authenticate on the public Wi-Fi networks. All you need is to plug your phone, and you will be connected to the hotspot of your internet service provider seamlessly.
Your phone will activate the Wi-Fi, identify it, and within no time be connected to the internet. Besides allowing you to access the internet for free, the app will periodically check the status of the internet connection to the hotspot for automatic re-authentication.
Wiman For Free Internet
Wiman is quickly becoming one of the largest hotspots databases in the world. With this app, you will be able to find free Wi-Fi hotspots everywhere you go. In fact, this app works like a built-in Wi-Fi connection manager on your phone.
Here, you will be able to see free Wi-Fi hotspots that you can use to connect to the internet. This app actually classifies them based on their quality. Better still, you will earn special awards using this app. If you have friends around, you can readily complete with them to see who can find the freest Wi-Fi hotspots.
Avast Wi-Fi Finder
To start with, you will note that this app is a product of Avast, which is essentially a cybersecurity software company. Just like the apps mentioned above, it can help you know places with Wi-Fi hotspots. Unlike other apps, it works even when you are not connected to the internet. Interestingly, it has a large database of Wi-Fi passwords provided by Avast community member’s world over.
Use Free Wi-Fi Internet Near You at Coffee Shops
If you have been to coffee shops, chances are that these premises have internet. Here, customers can readily surf the internet through the Wi-Fi internet. All you need to do is to check for Wi-Fi hotspot and then connect to it.
If you are a regular customer, you can be sure that you will enjoy using free internet as long as you are near these premises. This has actually worked well for many people in the recent past.
Ask a Friend to Share an Internet
If you have a friend who has connected his or her home to the internet, you can ask him or her to share the internet with you. All he needs to share with you is the Wi-Fi password, and you will be good to go. You can agree to be paying a small amount of money every month. Here, you will still enjoy fast and reliable internet almost for free.
Using Phone As a Hotspot
If you have a lot of data on your line, you can choose to use your device as a Wi-Fi hotspot. As you purpose to use your device as a hotspot, you should ensure that you use a strong password to prevent other people from using your data plan to connect to the internet. Ideally, your password should be at least 12 characters. it should be such that one cannot easily guess it.
Search Municipal Wireless Network in Your Area
One of those places with free Wi-Fi is the municipal wireless network. This kind of network is very critical when it comes to providing everyone with internet access even if they cannot afford them. Therefore, the less privileged schools and families can readily benefit from this network.
It is important to note that these networks are only available in large metropolitan areas. However, other regions have now appreciated the need to adopt this ideology.
List of Popular Free Wi-Fi Internet Hotspot Locations
Did you know that there are certain places where you are almost guaranteed to find a free Wi-Fi hotspot? If you have been wondering where you can get free Wi-Fi at home, you should consider visiting these places soon. They include:
- Libraries
- Public plazas
- Starbucks
- McDonald’s
- Ben & Jerry’s
Look for Hidden Wi-Fi Networks
First and foremost, Wireless networks are normally identified by SSIDs, which basically serve as network names. You can readily hide a network’s SSID and thus create a hidden network that will not be available to other people out there. However, this does not mean that it cannot be discovered. If you are looking for hidden Wi-Fi networks, you can consider using a Wi-Fi analyzer such as NetSpot.
It is important to note that NetSpot normally works on both Windows and Mac devices. To discover any hidden Wi-Fi network, you should launch NetSpot, activate discover mode, and then wait for it to scan all the nearby networks automatically. After that, you will see all those hidden Wi-Fi networks around your current location.
Verdict
Nowadays, it is difficult not to use the internet. From checking social media updates to working from home, there is a lot you can do as long as you have a good internet connection. However, all this comes with a cost. Fortunately, you can access free internet by considering the ideas mentioned above. You do not have to break the bank to enjoy a good and reliable internet connection. Consider these ideas, and you will save more on your internet data plans.
