Find Affordable Internet And More For Your Military Relocation

The Ultimate Military Relocation Guide: Unlocking Internet and Home Service Savings

Expect as much out of your home services as the military expects from you.

According to the United Service Organizations (USO), a member of the armed forces can expect to change duty stations at least six to 10 times throughout their career. These transitions mean purchasing new home services countless times along the way. In this guide, we’ll give you all the insider insights on internet and home service providers that offer new-customer incentives and military-friendly discounts.

Internet Discounts for Military Members and Veterans

Many military members live on limited income either because they are lower-enlisted (52 percent of enlisted personnel), support a family on one income (34 percent of military families), or both. With military pay allowances like BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) and BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence), servicemen and women can benefit from federal and private programs that provide discounted internet to qualified subscribers. Two such programs, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline, provide these discounts.

Lifeline Program for Qualifying Active Duty Military and Veterans

You may be eligible for a discount on internet or mobile phone service through Lifeline if you qualify for a Veterans and Survivors Benefit Pension or similar initiatives. You’ll need to complete a couple of simple steps to receive your discounted internet:

1. Begin the application process and submit your completed application on the Lifeline National Verifier page. (You may also manually print your application and mail it to the address listed on the site.)
2. Once you receive approval, choose an internet or mobile provider within 90 days to get up to $9.25 off per month on phone, internet, or bundled services.

Affordable Connectivity Program for Active Duty Military and Veterans

What began as an internet cost relief program known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit during the COVID-19 pandemic has transitioned to a permanent program with a new name: the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP. Among other qualifying applicants, military members or veterans who receive WIC, earn an income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or who fall under other eligibility criteria, may apply to receive $30 off their monthly internet bill ($75 off if living on qualifying tribal lands) and up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer with a $10 copayment. Applying for the program is simple: 

1. Visit the Affordable Connectivity Program page for household qualification guidelines.
2. Complete the application process found on the program page by submitting proof of eligibility.
3. Find a participating internet provider in your new location to begin receiving discounted internet service.

Here are just a few of the well-known internet providers that participate in the Lifeline and ACP discount programs for low-income individuals:

Participating Lifeline and ACP Internet Providers

Best Internet Services for Military Members

You can expect to move once every two to three years via PCS (Permanent Change of Station) throughout your military service. You may also incur TDYs (Temporary Duty Travel) that could last up to six months here and there along the way. Making an intelligent decision about internet service at your next duty station is key to continuity for your family. Here’s a list of the best internet providers that offer the most savings, no matter where you are relocated:

Best TV Services for Military Members

When relocating to a new duty station, a little bit of planning for a new TV service can help cut down the time between move-in and tune-in. Plus, getting TV services at your new location can make the transition easier for you and your family, as nobody has to miss out on their favorite shows after a big move. Here’s a list of the top TV providers you may want to consider when setting up future services at your new location:

Best Internet Bundles for Military Personnel

When anticipating an upcoming relocation, the option to bundle services like internet, TV, phone, home security, and smart home services can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. We always recommend bundling your home services whenever possible for the greatest savings. Here are some of our favorite internet bundle providers to choose from for your next PCS:

Utility Providers for Military Service Members

Across America, the average person pays about $400 per month for basic utilities like gas and electricity. Selecting the utility providers who will give you the most value can make all the difference in savings, especially when relocating to your new area. You can expect the following average costs for your utilities and home services when you relocate:

• Electricity: $117 per month
• Natural gas: $66 per month
• Water: $47 per month
• Cell phone service: $115 per month
• Internet service: $64 per month

Use the utility search tool below to determine what home service providers are at your next duty station. Simply type in the address of your relocation destination to discover your choices:

Check Availability by Zip Code

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Free and Discounted Laptops for Military Members

Since we complete so many tasks online now, computer access has become an absolute must for basic modern living. Many organizations across the country sponsor programs for qualifying veterans who could benefit from assistance getting online. Check out the following programs to get your discounted laptop, tablet, or desktop computer when you relocate:

Digital Literacy Training Resources for Veterans 

As many service members transition out of the military and into the civilian workforce, particularly those whose MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) didn’t involve daily computer interaction, digital literacy becomes more critical for success. To fill the gap many veterans may face, organizations offer free technical skill training on topics like computer literacy, networking, and coding. Here are a few non-profit organizations focused on teaching veterans these new skills:

• Code Platoon - Code Platoon is a fully online technological educational resource offering coding scholarships for veterans and spouses in different qualifying categories.
• ConnectHomeUSA - In addition to providing discounted laptops and desktop computers, ConnectHomeUSA offers a knowledge center including digital literacy resources to veterans and survivor benefits recipients who qualify.
• PCs for People - PCs for People supplies free desktops, affordable laptops, and digital learning resources to qualifying military veterans and low-income individuals. 
• Tech for Troops - Computer literacy training for veterans and transitioning active-duty personnel is one of the services Tech for Troops provides in addition to free laptops and desktop computers.
• The American Legion - With a membership in The American Legion, you’ll gain access to digital literacy programs, plus a 10 percent discount on Dell Computers and member savings at Office Depot and Office Max.

Additional Military Relocation Resources

The DoD offers various moving assistance resources to military personnel experiencing PCS, including those found at the Military OneSource website. Additionally, here are some guides and resources we put together that you can use to prepare for your relocation to a new duty station or transition out of the military:

• Guide for Military & Veterans: Programs for Low-Cost Internet, Mobile Plans, and Tech
• Guide to Internet Plans for Low- and Fixed-Income Households
• Guide for Seniors: Programs for Low-cost Internet, Mobile Plans, and Digital Literacy
• Guide for People With Disabilities: Programs for Low-Cost Internet, Mobile Plans, And Digital Literacy
• Guide to Data: How Much Data Do I Need With My Internet Plan?
• Guide to Internet Cost: How Much Should Your Internet Really Cost?
• The Complete Guide To Hidden Internet Fees