Free Internet Service Options in the United States

Introduction

In 2025, reliable internet access is not just a convenience—it is a necessity for education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation. Yet, millions of Americans, particularly those in low-income households, continue to face barriers to affordable broadband. The federal government, state agencies, internet service providers (ISPs), and nonprofit organizations have all developed programs to address this digital divide. This report provides a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of all known avenues for obtaining $0/month (free) internet service in the United States, with a focus on eligibility, application processes, coverage, and limitations. Special attention is given to the aftermath of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the ongoing Lifeline program, state and local initiatives, and alternative solutions such as hotspot lending and nonprofit assistance.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Legacy and Current Status

Overview and Impact

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was the largest federal initiative to subsidize internet access for low-income households. Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, the ACP provided a monthly discount of up to $30 for broadband service ($75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands) and a one-time $100 discount for a connected device, such as a laptop or tablet, with a required co-pay^1,2. At its peak, the ACP supported over 23 million households, covering nearly 40% of American homes³.

Eligibility Criteria

Households qualified for the ACP if they met at least one of the following:

• Income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Participation in federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch/Breakfast, or receipt of a Pell Grant in the current award year
• Participation in Tribal-specific programs for those on Tribal lands⁴

ACP Wind-Down and End

As of June 1, 2024, the ACP ended due to a lack of additional Congressional funding^3,5. New enrollments were frozen in February 2024, and benefits ceased after May 2024. Households previously enrolled in ACP were notified by their ISPs and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) about the program’s conclusion and encouraged to explore alternative options⁷.

Legacy: What Remains

• Many ISPs have continued or adapted their low-income plans, sometimes at or near the $0/month price point, though without the federal subsidy, true $0 plans are rare.
• The device discount component has inspired nonprofits and ISPs to continue offering discounted or refurbished devices to eligible households⁸.

Lifeline: The Primary Federal Subsidy for Internet in 2025

Program Overview

Lifeline is the longstanding federal program designed to make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Unlike the ACP, Lifeline is funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF) and remains active in 2025^9,10.

Benefits

• Monthly Discount: Up to $9.25/month for internet or phone service (or a bundled plan)
• Enhanced Tribal Benefit: Up to $34.25/month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands, plus a one-time Link Up discount of up to $100 for installation charges^11,3

Eligibility Criteria

Lifeline eligibility is stricter than ACP, generally requiring:

• Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Participation in federal assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, or certain Tribal programs)

Application Process

Check Eligibility: Use the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org. Then, gather documentation and apply online, by mail, or through a participating provider¹⁰.

Limitations

• Discount Size: The $9.25/month benefit is much smaller than the former ACP subsidy, making true $0/month internet rare.
• One Discount per Household: Only one Lifeline benefit per household.
• Eligibility Threshold: The 135% poverty guideline is lower than the ACP’s 200%.

State and Local Government Programs

State-Level Initiatives

• California: The California LifeLine program is being expanded to include broadband under the California Home Internet LifeLine Act of 2025 (SB 716)¹².
• Oregon: Oregon Lifeline adds a state discount of up to $19.25/month for high-speed internet, supplementing the federal benefit¹³.
• New York: The Affordable Broadband Act requires ISPs to offer $15/month plans to low-income households. NYC’s Big Apple Connect provides free internet to New York City Housing Authority residents¹⁴.

How to Find Local Programs

Residents should search “[Your State] low-income internet programs 2025” or visit their state’s Public Utilities Commission or broadband office website for the latest offerings¹³.

Major ISPs and $0/Month Internet Plans: Post-ACP Landscape

The Biden-Harris Free Internet Initiative: Legacy

This was a 2022 public-private partnership with 20+ ISPs to offer $30/month plans. When combined with the ACP, these were effectively $0/month¹. With the end of the ACP, most ISPs have reverted to their own low-income plans, which, while not universally $0/month, can be close when combined with Lifeline or state/local subsidies.

Table 1: Major ISP Low-Income Plans and $0/Month Potential (2025)

*Note: $0/month is possible only when the Lifeline discount fully covers the plan price or when a provider runs a special promotion. Always confirm with the provider if stacking discounts is allowed.^15,10

Tribal Lands: Enhanced Benefits and Special Programs

Enhanced Tribal Lifeline

This benefit offers up to a $34.25/month discount on phone or internet service, plus a one-time Link Up discount of up to $100 for installation. Eligibility requires residence on federally recognized Tribal lands and meeting standard Lifeline income/program requirements or specific Tribal assistance programs^18,3. This is the most likely pathway to truly $0/month home internet in 2025.

Providers and Devices

Providers like AirTalk Wireless, Life Wireless, and Assist Wireless offer free or heavily discounted smartphones and data plans (up to 30GB/month) for Tribal Lifeline participants¹¹.

Other Pathways to Connectivity

Device Discounts and Digital Inclusion

While the ACP device discount is over, nonprofits such as PCs for People, Human-I-T, EveryoneOn, and Goodwill offer free or low-cost refurbished computers and tablets to eligible households¹⁰.

Hotspot Lending, Libraries, and School-Based Connectivity

• Library Hotspot Lending: Nearly half of U.S. public libraries lend mobile hotspots for home use, typically requiring a library card. Loan periods vary from weeks to months¹⁹.
• School Programs: The E-Rate Program supports schools in providing public Wi-Fi. T-Mobile Project 10Million offers free 100GB/year of hotspot data to eligible K-12 student households²⁰.
• Limitation: Hotspot lending is a temporary solution, not a substitute for permanent home broadband.

Rural Programs and Alternatives

• Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF): Federal funding to expand broadband in unserved rural areas, though significant service delays have been reported²¹. Residents must check with local ISPs for new service.
• Satellite and 5G Home Internet: Starlink has no low-income discount²². Other satellite/5G providers offer plans starting around $40-$75/month, with some offering Lifeline eligibility in select areas.

How to Compare and Choose the Best Free or Low-Cost Internet Option

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check Lifeline Eligibility: Visit the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org.
2. Research State/Local Programs: Search your state’s broadband office for additional subsidies.
3. Use the FCC National Broadband Map: Enter your address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov to see all ISPs serving your location²³.
4. Contact ISPs: Ask about low-income plans, Lifeline participation, and whether discounts can be stacked.
5. Explore Nonprofit Offers: Use EveryoneOn, PCs for People, or Human-I-T for device and internet offers.
6. Confirm Final Price: Always ask for the “out-the-door” price, including taxes, fees, and equipment charges.

Key Considerations

• Eligibility: Most programs require proof of income or participation in assistance programs.
• Speed: 50-100 Mbps is adequate for most households.
• Stacking Benefits: Only one Lifeline benefit per household. Confirm if an ISP allows stacking Lifeline with their low-income plan.
• Exclusions: Households with recent unpaid debts to an ISP may be ineligible for some plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is truly free ($0/month) home internet available in 2025?

Yes, but only in limited circumstances. The most common pathways are the Enhanced Tribal Lifeline benefit (if the discount covers the full plan price) or temporary solutions like library hotspot lending^18,24.

Can Lifeline and ISP low-income plans be combined?

Sometimes. Some ISPs allow the Lifeline discount to be applied to their low-income plan to reduce the bill, potentially to $0. Always confirm with the provider^13,10.

Is free internet available in rural areas?

Rarely for home broadband. Rural residents can use Lifeline (if available) or check for new RDOF-funded service. Satellite and 5G are options, but rarely free^25,21.

Conclusion

The end of the ACP has reduced the availability of $0/month internet, but a patchwork of federal (Lifeline), state, local, and nonprofit programs continues to provide pathways to affordable—and sometimes free—connectivity. For those seeking free or low-cost internet, persistence and careful research remain essential. By leveraging the resources and programs outlined, millions of Americans can continue to access the digital world.