Free or Low-Cost Internet Options
Below is information about free or low-cost internet options that may be available. Please note that internet service providers only serve certain areas and offers may only be available to qualified households. Be sure to check with the provider to confirm coverage and eligibility. Please note that this list reflects information that was available as of 3/17/2020, 11:00am PST.
Internet providers offering temporary free or low cost internet
- Cox Connect2Compete: Limited-time, first month free internet service, $9.95/month thereafter. (Serves the Irvine and surrounding areas.)
- Comcast Internet Essentials: New customers receive 2 free months of internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month plus tax. Apply by April 30, 2020. (Note: This provider does not serve the Irvine area.)
- Comcast Response to COVID-19: Read about additional steps Comcast is implementing, including free wifi hotspots.
- Spectrum (Charter Communications): Free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. (Note: This provider does not serve the Irvine area.)
- Spectrum Assist - Qualified households can sign up for low income Internet assistance.
- AT&T Access program: A low cost Internet option for low income subscribers with no deposit, no installation fees, no activation fees and no long-term commitment. The program offers services between $5-$10/month.
Lifeline Discount Program
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. Visit the Lifeline website to see if you qualify and to search for a provider near you who participates in the Lifeline discount program.
Other websites with information about discounted plans
- Consumer Reports: ISPs Raise Speeds and Suspend Data Caps in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Cheap Internet: Low-Income Internet Service Providers
- Everyone One: Low-Cost Internet Service & Affordable Computers
- Human IT: Low-Cost Internet
Wifi Hotspots
- Directory of free WiFi hotspots: Please note that some businesses listed may be closed to follow social distancing guidelines, so please call to confirm availability.
- Comcast Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Search for a Wifi hotspot here. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.