The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is over and has left a void for low-income families. Does that mean you can’t get affordable internet now? Let me ease your concerns. You can still get low-cost internet as providers like Mediacom offer solutions – Xtream Connect and more.

Note: The $14.99 price for the Xtream Connect doesn’t include taxes, regulatory fees, and equipment costs (WiFi modem and more).

Xfinity

Xtream Connect

starting at

$14.99/month

  • Up to 100 Mbps download speed
  • No deposits & contracts needed
  • Free installation
  • Without a downstream usage limit
Check if you qualify

Alternative Options from Mediacom If You Don’t Qualify for Xtream Connect

Internet 300Internet 1 Gig
Up to 300 Mbps download speedHigh-speed internet with up to 1000 Mbps download speed
Powerful in-home WiFiFree Total DefenseTM Suite
Free Total DefenseTM SuiteComes with mesh WiFi
90-Day-Money-Back Guarantee90-Day-Money-Back Guarantee
Call Now to GetCall Now to Get

What is Xtream Connect by Mediacom?

To simply put it out for you: Xtream Connect is an alternative to the government-sponsored Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered by Xtream by Mediacom. It is an affordable internet plan for low-income households, provided they qualify for it.

Is the Connect2Compete Program Still Available?

No, the Connect2Compete program has been replaced by Xtream Connect. After the change in the US administration and the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, Xtream Connect was introduced to keep offering cost-effective solutions to connectivity for lower-income households in the US.

How Can You Qualify and Apply for the Xtream Connect Program?

Step 1

If any of your family members are enrolled in one of the following government support programs, you will be qualified for the Xtream Connect program.

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Explore the full list of government programs that will make you eligible for the affordable Xtream Connect program. Once you or any of your family members are enrolled in such programs, you can follow the next step to apply for the Xtream Connect program.

Step 2

Apply by filling out the form on the Xtream Connect application page. This uses SheerID verification, which only takes the very necessary information (don’t worry, your data will be safe). The SheerID verification might need some additional documentation, so be ready for that.

You need to enter your data and then tap/click on “Verify my status” to complete the application process. A representative from Xtream by Mediacom might contact you to get additional information or update you on your status for the application.

Evaluate If Xtream Connect is the Right Plan for You

In case you have missed this information from the above table, here is a simplified comparison of the pros and cons of the Xtream Connect program with a little more detail on it.

Pros

  • Fuss-free: no data caps or contracts
  • Save more with free installation
  • Easy on the pocket with a starting price of $14.99/month

Cons

  • Asymmetrical speeds
  • Limited download and upload speed
  • Upload speeds are reduced after consuming the 1TB upload limit

Cheap Internet Plans: Alternative Providers If You Don’t Qualify for the Xtream Connect

I have heard that not qualifying is possible for the Xtream Connect program. So, what can you do to get the best bang for your buck? You can check out affordable ISPs (internet service providers) or subscribe to one of the best value-to-money internet plans mentioned below.

Xfinity logo

Xfinity Connect

Up to 150 Mbps download speed

Call to explore pricing
verizon logo

Verizon Fios

Up to 300 Mbps download speed

Call to explore pricing
Xfinity logo

Fidium Essential 100Mbps

Up to 100 Mbps download speed

Call to explore pricing
Xfinity logo

Fiber 100 Mbps

Up to 100 Mbps download and upload speed

Call to explore pricing

Does Xtream Internet Offer Any Discounts to Seniors?

This might disappoint you, but the answer is no. There are no discounts for seniors however, they can get low-cost internet through the Xtream Connect program. If you are a senior qualifying for any of the government support programs, you will be eligible to get Xtream Connect.

Are There Any Xtream by Mediacom Promotions Currently Available?

Xtream Internet promotions are available through the Xtream by Mediacom bundles that either combine internet and phone, internet and TV, or offer all three at the same time. Apart from that, there are no promotions currently available.

How Much is Xtream by Mediacom Internet Per Month?

It depends on the plan you are getting from Xtream by Mediacom. Generally, Xtream Internet starts at around $50 a month (though the price may vary), and it will increase as you opt for a high-tier plan.

How Can You Avoid the Modem Rental Fee with Xtream Connect?

The first way would be getting it free from Xtream by Mediacom. You heard it right! You can get the equipment minus the monthly rental fee if any of your children qualify for free or partially priced lunch via the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This way, you will save $15 a month in value.

It might come as a surprise, but the other and simpler way is to purchase compatible equipment for Xtream Connect. Buying equipment will save you money in the long run. You can find it at a cost-effective price on the used market or brand new on the compatible manufacturer's website/store.

Should You Buy or Rent a Modem and How Much Does It Cost?

To help you make a sound decision, I have mentioned the benefits of buying and renting and dissected the overall cost of each in the table below.

Buying the equipmentRenting the equipment
  • Saves you money in the long run
  • More control over your network
  • Buying will cost you a one-time fee of around $200-$300
  • If you are planning to keep home WiFi for more than 12 months, you will recover your money (assuming you get it at $200)
  • $15*14 months = $210
  • You will start to save your money after 14 months of usage
  • Eliminates the hassle as the provider will do the setup
  • In case you need to change it or fix it, you won’t have to pay a penny apart from the rental fee
  • However, the rental cost will be $15/month, which is $180 a year
  • After 14 months, you would have paid $210 for the equipment, but wouldn’t own any

Which Provider Offers Internet for $10 a Month?

There is a program called Access from AT&T that slashes $20 from its $30-a-month price if your household is qualified for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for California residents, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch Program, or if you fall under the 200% limit of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Please note that with this plan, you will have a 1.5TB a month data cap. But don’t fret, this is a huge limit that is unlikely to be crossed at the speed offered (100 Mbps) with the Access program.

If You Are Subscribed to Xtream Connect, Will Its Price Go Up After a Year?

No, the prices won’t go up for households subscribed to the Xtream Connect. Though they have to reapply for Xtream Connect every year to keep prices the same.

Some More Valuable Reads

Do you want to know how you can save more on your internet and connectivity bills? Read the following content pieces and thank me later.