For anyone putting in the work day in and day out to make ends meet, free internet service may seem too good to be true. But true it is. Thanks to a new federal government initiative stemming from recent bipartisan legislation, qualifying American households can receive free high-speed, high-quality internet service. What is this initiative all about, and how do you sign up? We’ll give you everything you need to know in this guide to the Biden-Harris Administration Free Internet Initiative. We’ll cover the following topics:
- What is the Free Internet Initiative?
- How does the Free Internet Initiative work?
- When does the Free Internet Initiative take effect?
- What ISPs are participating in the Free Internet Initiative?
- What stipulations accompany the Free Internet Initiative?
- Why is the Free Internet Initiative speed 100 Mbps?
- How do you apply for the Free Internet Initiative?
- What features do participating providers offer?
- Frequently asked questions about the Free Internet Initiative
What Is the Free Internet Initiative?
The Free Internet Initiative is a plan born out of President Joe Biden’s recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) that aims to provide free internet to all qualifying Americans who could benefit from the service. The call for this initiative grew from the widening gap in internet coverage that Americans face due to a lack of affordability and availability. More than 30 million U.S. citizens live in areas with subpar internet infrastructure, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will inject $65 billion to help Americans get access to dependable internet. The Biden-Harris Administration and Congress continue to address the issue of internet availability, and this initiative will expand affordable internet access for U.S. citizens significantly.
How Does the Free Internet Initiative Work?
The Biden-Harris Administration worked with 20 internet service providers (ISPs) to create internet plans with costs that the existing Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit could cover. One important part of the agreement is that the plans offer much higher download speeds to provide qualifying subscribers with quality internet service. In essence, this new initiative takes advantage of the existing affordable internet framework created by the ACP to offer better internet options.
What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP is a federally subsidized benefit that enables low-income and other qualifying households to receive internet service at a discounted price, including a one-time discount on a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer (up to $100 if they contribute between $10 and $50 of the purchase price). Eligible households can receive a $30 monthly discount on their internet service through the ACP ($75 if they live on tribal lands). Some providers — particularly those that participate in the Biden-Harris Administration’s initiative — could offer internet service for no cost at all.
When Does the Free Internet Initiative Take Effect?
The ACP has been around for nearly a year, but the Free Internet Initiative is a more recent undertaking by the federal government. Customers who wish to take advantage of the new initiative, which takes the $30 discount available through the ACP and applies it to $30 plans from participating providers, can do so now. As long as you qualify for the ACP, you may take advantage of one of these no-cost internet plans from participating providers.
What ISPs Are Participating in the Free Internet Initiative?
According to the White House press release announcing the initiative, 22 internet providers have signed on to the program so far, including major players such as AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, Verizon, and Xfinity. These ISPs collectively provide internet service to over 80 percent of the country’s population, but this list of 20 is only a fraction of the ISPs participating in the ACP. Here are the internet providers currently participating in the Free Internet Initiative:
What Stipulations Accompany the Free Internet Initiative?
The ACP awards $30-per-month discounts ($75 per month on tribal lands) on internet service for qualifying households that participate in government programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or households with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The Free Internet Initiative asks providers to offer plans with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and a price at or below $30 per month for qualifying subscribers so their internet service comes at no cost to them.
A few ISPs already offered plans with speeds of 100 Mbps for $30 or less, but other participating ISPs either increased the download speed of their lowest-priced plans or lowered the price of plans that already offered 100 Mbps download speeds to participate in this initiative. The initiative also requests that providers not impose data caps or fees on these plans. No matter which participating ISP you choose, you can receive internet service completely free.
Why Is the Free Internet Initiative Speed 100 Mbps?
One unique component of the Free Internet Initiative is the download speeds participating providers must provide. The Biden-Harris Administration considers 100 Mbps download speeds necessary for a typical household’s online activity, such as videoconferencing, video streaming, research, and other communication. Conversely, the FCC’s formal definition of high-speed broadband internet is any download speed of 25 Mbps or more.
This requirement for participation in the initiative automatically leaves out some providers of slower technology, such as DSL and fixed wireless, because download speeds of 100 Mbps are not always possible. These providers, such as Rise Broadband, may not be able to participate in the Free Internet Initiative, but they still offer a $30 discount on their plans through the ACP. This definition from the Biden-Harris Administration could signal a shift in the definition of high-speed internet for future programs, plans, and policies.
How Do You Apply for the Free Internet Initiative?
The Biden-Harris Administration is creating numerous avenues for Americans to apply for free internet through the participating internet providers and the ACP. Here are some ways applicants can begin the process of applying for free internet:
Application avenues | Description |
|---|---|
Free Internet Initiative website | Visit GetInternet.gov for step-by-step instructions on how to apply to the ACP and choose a free internet plan. The Biden-Harris Administration launched this brand-new website with the goal of helping people sign up quickly and find internet providers in their area easily. |
Federal agencies, states, cities, and public-interest organizations | For households that participate in qualifying programs such as SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, the federal agencies that run such programs will notify participants directly via email that they are eligible for free internet and provide the next steps. State and city governments, as well as public-interest organizations such as Goodwill and the United Way, will also contact eligible participants directly and assist with enrollment. |
Internet provider websites | Most participating provider websites offer direct details outlining their participation in the ACP and any free internet plans available. These providers typically have detailed instructions to assist you in the application process. |
The Application Process for Free Internet
Applying for a free internet plan is relatively simple, and the process does not take too long. Below are the steps, but the process may differ from provider to provider.
- Visit the ACP website to determine your eligibility and apply for ACP benefits using documentation demonstrating your necessity.
- Choose a qualifying internet plan on a participating provider's website.
- Submit an online application for the ACP discount with the internet provider of your choice.
Households Qualifying for the ACP
Households can qualify for the ACP through several programs and conditions. If you are enrolled in any of the following programs or identify with any of the listed situations, then you are eligible for enrollment in the ACP.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Received a federal Pell grant in the current award year
- Household Income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level
What Features Do Participating Providers Offer?
Not all ISPs offer the same products through the Free Internet Initiative. Some providers may offer higher speeds, while others may focus on perks such as superior connection types or free streaming subscriptions.
If your household uses the internet heavily, then download speeds of up to 100 Mbps may not be enough. A higher-speed plan with the $30 per month ACP discount may be a better option for you. In either case, you should know what features each provider in your area offers. Below is a rundown of some popular participating providers and their features.
Provider | Connection type | Download speeds | Free Internet Initiative download speeds | Data cap | Contract requirement | Bundle options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fiber | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited data | No contracts | Fioptics TV, home phone, and Connected Home | |
Cable | Up to 940 Mbps | Up to 150 Mbps | Unlimited data | No contracts | Astound TV, home phone, and internet security | |
Fiber | Up to 5 Gbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited data | No contracts | Mobile wireless and streaming TV | |
Cable | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited data for program participants (for the first year) | No contracts | Cox TV, home phone, smart home, and security | |
Cable | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited data | No contracts | Spectrum TV, home phone, and mobile phone | |
Cable | Up to 940 Mbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited data | Contracts optional | Suddenlink TV, Optimum Mobile phone | |
Fiber | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 300 Mbps | Unlimited data | Contracts optional | TV and mobile phone | |
Cable and fiber | Up to 3 Gbps | Up to 100 Mbps | 1.2 TB with cable; unlimited data with fiber | Contracts optional | Xfinity TV, home phone, home security, and mobile phone |
Top 20 Cities With Participating ACP Providers by Population
Coverage varies among providers that offer free internet through the ACP. Below is a list of the top 20 cities in the U.S. and their participating ACP internet providers.
- New York City - Astound Broadband, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios
- Los Angeles - AT&T, Frontier, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios
- Houston - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Frontier, Spectrum, Suddenlink, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity
- Chicago - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity
- Miami - AT&T, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity
- San Antonio - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon Fios
- Philadelphia - Verizon Fios and Xfinity
- Phoenix - Cox and Verizon Fios
- Las Vegas - Cox and Verizon Fios
- San Diego - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity
- Dallas - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Frontier, Spectrum, Suddenlink, and Verizon Fios
- Denver - Verizon Fios and Xfinity
- Cleveland - AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios
- Baltimore - Verizon Fios and Xfinity
- Fort Worth - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Frontier, Spectrum, Suddenlink, and Verizon Fios
- Minneapolis - Mediacom, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity
- Austin - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Frontier, Spectrum, Suddenlink, and Verizon Fios
- San Jose - Astound Broadband, AT&T, Frontier, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity
- Columbus - AT&T, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios
- Atlanta - AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity
Frequently Asked Questions About the Free Internet Initiative
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP is a federally funded subsidy and discount program that provides affordable internet to households with an income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level or that participate in a qualifying government program.
What other benefits come with the ACP?
Along with a $30 per month discount on internet service ($75 per month for tribal lands), qualifying households may receive a one-time $100 discount for purchasing a laptop, desktop, or tablet computer from participating providers as long as they pay $10 to $50 toward the purchase price.
How do I know if my internet provider participates in the ACP or Free Internet Initiative?
Browse your internet provider’s website or reach out to your ISP directly to ask if they participate in the ACP. The White House website lists all the information you need, including providers participating in the Free Internet Initiative. You can also visit the ACP page directly to obtain a list of providers participating in the ACP.
How fast are the Free Internet Initiative plans?
All Free Internet Initiative plans feature download speeds of at least 100 Mbps. Some carriers, such as Verizon and Astound Broadband, offer free plans with rates that surpass 100 Mbps.
Will I still get the Free Internet Initiative if I need a faster plan?
As long as you qualify for the ACP, you’ll obtain a $30 monthly discount to use on any plan. If you choose a Free Internet Initiative sponsored plan that typically features download speeds of up to 100 Mbps for $30 per month, then your plan will be free. If you need a faster plan with speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, then you can still apply your $30-per-month discount to the plan price.