Government Internet Subsidy Programs: Are They Still Active in 2025?

Annual price hikes and the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) have left many low-income households in a pickle. Paying for internet service in full on a limited budget becomes a challenge, so it’s time to find a solution.

Are there any alternate government internet subsidy programs or cheap internet options to replace the ACP benefits? The only acceptable answer is yes, so let’s explore how to make the internet affordable again!

Government Assistance Programs 2025

If you were previously eligible for ACP benefits and are looking for a government-funded replacement, Lifeline is your best bet right now.

What is the Lifeline Program?

Similar to ACP, Lifeline is a government internet subsidy program backed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It offers discounts on phone and broadband services to qualifying low-income households across America, including states, tribal lands, commonwealths, and other territories.

Currently, Lifeline is the only nationwide government-funded program directly assisting low-income consumers in paying for internet. Families or individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can obtain a $9.25 concession on their monthly broadband bill. While the discount may not be as good as the discontinued ACP benefits, it certainly is better than nothing.

More Government Internet Subsidy Programs

Here are a few other government assistance programs that play a vital role in bridging the digital divide by providing affordable internet services to rural/tribal areas, as well as educational institutions.

• Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program – helps tribal governments deploy broadband services on tribal lands.
• Universal Service for High-Cost Areas – helps consumers in rural, insular, and high-cost areas gain access to modern and capable telecommunications services at reasonable rates.
• E-Rate – provides affordable internet access to public/private schools and libraries
• Emergency Connectivity Fund – helps schools and libraries bridge the digital divide by providing necessary internet access and devices to connect.

Internet Plans for Low-Income Households

Aside from government internet subsidy programs, there are other ways to score a budget-friendly internet service. Several internet service providers (ISPs) offer exclusive internet plans for low-income households that cost way less than their standard plans.

Check out our top picks:

ISP	Low-Income Plan	Price	Download Speed	Learn More
	Internet Essentials	Starting at $14.95/mo.1	Up to 75 Mbps	Check Availability
	Spectrum Internet Assist	$25/mo.2for qualifying households	Up to 50 Mbps	How to Apply
	Access from AT&T	$30/mo.3	Up to 100 Mbps	Check Eligibility
	Optimum Advantage Internet	$14.99/mo.4	Up to 50 Mbps	Check Availability
	Cox Connect2Compete	$9.95/mo.5 $10.90/mo NO term agreement. $0.95 discount applied	Up to 100 Mbps	Check Eligibility

1- Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to residential customers meeting certain eligibility criteria. Subject to Internet Essentials program terms and conditions. Professional installation extra. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit com/networkmanagement.
2- Limited time offer; subject to change; available to new (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and existing Spectrum Internet Assist customers in good standing with Spectrum who meet eligibility requirements. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Spectrum Internet Assist: Additional charge for installation may apply. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Customers may be eligible for an additional discount to get SIA for $15/mo, click net/internet-assistto apply (New York state customers may qualify with expanded eligibility criteria, learn more at spectrum.net/internet-assist-ny).
3- Price plus taxes & fees. AT&T Fiber: Limited availability/areas. Maximum speed available based on service address. Application links lead to a third-party website. See offer details
4- Terms & Conditions
5- Plan details

If you cannot subscribe to a low-income internet plan due to ineligibility or unavailability, consider signing up for a standard internet plan that fits your budget.

Top 3 ISPs with Affordable Internet Plans

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More Ways to Lower Your Internet Bill

When government internet subsidy programs and low-income plans from ISPs are off the table, you may have to look for alternatives and maybe get creative. Here’s what you can do:

1. Seek State & Community Support

Regional or local ISPs may offer economical internet services to households previously approved for ACP benefits, with some offering additional support through Lifeline discounts. Similarly, certain NGOs and community organizations extend subsidized internet services to residents within specific areas.

Examples of such initiatives include:

• Los Angeles County Community Broadband Networks – internet for as low as $25 per month to low-income households in East and South Los Angeles.
• Hawaiian Telecom Internet Kokua Program – DSL or Fiber internet plans under $15 for residents having income equal to or less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Oregon Lifeline – low-income households within the state can obtain up to $19.25 discount on their monthly internet bill from participating ISPs.

2. Look Up Internet Deals & Discounts

You or someone else from your family may qualify for an exclusive discount on residential internet service. Many ISPs have special packages to cater to individuals belonging to a specific profession, age group, or union; these may include, but are not limited to:

• Internet Deals for Students
• Veteran & Military Discounts
• Internet Deals for Seniors
• Low-Cost Internet for Teachers

3. Negotiate with Your Current Provider

There’s no shame in asking for a discount when you absolutely need it. Instead of searching for a cheaper service, try talking to your current internet provider. Let them guide you on how you can save on your monthly bill or request a small favor for your loyalty.

Possible solutions include:

• Switching to a lower-tier plan or a cheaper connection type
• Using your own equipment instead of rentals
• Unsubscribing to unnecessary add-ons (if applicable)

Hopefully, you’ve found one or more ways to reduce your monthly broadband expenses. If not, you may rely on a budget-friendly mobile data plan and public Wi-Fi hotspots to stay connected and manage expenses more efficiently.