(866) 996-2797How Can Students Get Affordable Internet?
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The other day, I was having a nice meal at a local café, when I overheard two college students complaining about their costly internet bills.
‘I’ve been squirreling away some extra bucks every month to clear my heavy internet bills.’ One of them said while shaking his head.
‘You’re right. My monthly internet dues are surely going to break the bank.’ The other one said while burying his face in his hands.
I could see why they were so concerned.
They can’t let go of the internet, that’s for sure. I murmured under my breath
Why did I say that? Well, because college students need the internet for just about everything.
Students use the internet to:
- Submit assignments
- Watch educational videos
- Email their professors
- Take online courses
- Download reading materials
These significant online tasks and those two students' conversations stuck with me. So, I came back home, did my research, and shortlisted the information that can facilitate college students in one way or another.
So, if you are a college student, drowning in your internet bill sorrows, simply take a deep breath and start reading this blog. You’ll feel lighter, I promise.
Free Internet for Students
‘Nothing’s for free,’ I can sense you yelling into the air.
I had a similar reaction when I first found out about free internet. However, what I’m going to tell you next will surely make you scream with joy.
Public Wifi Hotspots
Fresh Coffee, Free Wifi’
Have you seen this symbol or something similar outside a café?
If you’re nodding your head, then let me tell you that you’ll find wifi hotspots in such cafes. These hotspots are physical locations where people can wirelessly connect their smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the internet.
So, the next time you crave a nice cup of hot chocolate, just take a little break and step inside a coffee house with a ‘free wifi here’ sign. Next, go up to the cash counter, order your favorite coffee flavor, and politely ask the cashier for the café’s Wifi name and password.
He’ll give you a piece of paper that’ll have all the information related to the wifi. To check the authenticity of the ‘free wifi’ bit, take out your phone, access the wifi settings, browse through the list of available networks, and find the name of the Wifi network that he’s mentioned on the chit.
Simply click on it, enter the password, and voila, you’re connected.
Now, before you go ahead and say, ‘but we’ll still have to spend around $4 on a cup of coffee,’ let me give you a way out for that as well.
Solution 1: Whenever you feel like socializing and studying simultaneously, choose an affordable coffee shop, invite a bunch of your classmates, and study together. Just order a single cup of coffee and enjoy free internet for the next two hours or so. You can later split the bill between all your study buddies. Win-win, isn’t it?
Friends + Free Internet = an evening spent well
Solution 2: However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t feel like spending a single penny, then public libraries and town centers would prove to be ideal spots for you. These places act as community internet access points where the internet is free for everybody
Free Wifi Hotspots Offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Getting into your dream college in the US often means moving out of your childhood house and embracing the essence of adulthood. It also means saying goodbye to your family’s ISP, which you had been using for years.
However, if your family back home has signed up with an internet service provider that offers free wifi hotspots, then you’re good to go.
Wondering how?
Well, you can get access to free internet by using those wifi hotspots. All you have to do is:
- Go to your internet provider’s wifi hotspot page to locate the nearest hotspots
- Next, go to your device’s wifi settings and select your provider’s hotspot network. (For example, an Optimum Internet customer would click on ‘optimumwifi’).
- A login prompt will then pop up on your screen.
- Sign in using your provider’s username and password.
- You’re finally connected and can now use the wifi hotspots near you. Hurray!
You can do your happy dance if your family is signed up with one of the internet providers given below:
- Become a Cox Internet customer and get FREE access to more than 4 million wifi hotspots nationwide.
- By signing up with Optimum Internet, you’ll get FREE access to over 1 million WiFi hotspots across the Tri-State area.
- All Spectrum Internet and Mobile customers get access to WiFi hotspots at no additional cost.
Government Internet Plans for Students
You’ll be happy to know that the US government cares for its students’ academic success, which is why it is offering affordable internet programs for them.
I’ve explained the prominent three programs below. See if you qualify for them:
| Provider | Program | Qualifying Households |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Communications Commission | Lifeline Discount (This Federal Program was designed to provide monthly discounts on internet bills for low-income households) |
Households whose income is equal to or lower than 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines or are enrolled in Public Assistance Programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Federal Public Housing Assistance. Check the rest of the programs by clicking on this link. |
| Federal Communications Commission | Enhanced Tribal Benefits (This program offers monthly internet bill reductions for families living on Tribal lands) |
Low-income households living on tribal lands in the US. |
| EveryoneOn | Connect2Compete (This program aims to equip qualifying households with affordable internet connectivity) |
Households with one or more K-12 students participating in programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, National School Lunch Program, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. |
Affordable Internet Plans Offered By ISPs
Have you ever heard about cheap internet provided by ISPs?
Are you shaking your head?
No worries. I’m about to introduce you to some of the best ISPs that will help you snag internet for cheap:
| Internet Service Provider | Plan | Price | Download Speeds | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Connect | Starting Price: $19.99/mo. 1 Order Now |
Up to 150 Mbps (subject to availability) |
Available in 40 States |
 |
Internet 250 | Starting Price: $19.99/mo. 2 for 1 yr. Order Now |
Up to 250 Mbps | Available in 22 States |
 |
300 Mbps Internet | Starting Price: $20/mo. 3 (varies by location) Order Now |
Up to 300 Mbps (subject to availability) |
Available in 9 States |
 |
Fidium Essential | Starting Price: $25/mo. 4 Order Now |
Up to 100 Mbps | Available in 9 States |
1. For 12 months with 1-year term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Automatic payments and paperless billing required.
2. Plus installation, activation, modem rental, & taxes also apply. Price includes $10/mo discount for autopay & paperless billing.
3. In select markets. Includes $10 discount w/ebill & autopay. Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. Subject to availability. Additional fees apply.
4. w/AutoPay & Paperless Bill 1-year price lock ($45/mo after), FREE installation, no contract. Speeds not available in all markets. Price varies by market and is for the 1st year of Fidium residential internet service and is a limited-time offer.
I’ve outlined these plans specifically for:
All those all-rounder students who are working and studying simultaneously.
Introverts who aren’t comfortable studying in cafes, libraries, community centers, etc.
Students who get a monthly allowance from home.
Bottom Line: Analyze your Internet Needs and Choose an Internet Plan Accordingly
In the end, your intuition and judgment matter the most.
I can keep introducing you to the best ways of accessing affordable internet; however, it is up to you to choose the internet plan that meets all your educational requirements.
For example, if your professors give you tight submission deadlines, then make sure to prioritize a reliable internet connection. Similarly, if you’re sharing an internet plan with your dorm mates, then give speed a preference.
Jot down all your college online activities and see how much speed is required for each. The table given below will surely make this step easier for you:
| Online Activity | Maximum Download Speed |
|---|---|
| Streaming Standard Definition Educational Videos | 5-8 Mbps |
| Attending (High-Definition) Group Zoom Video Calls | 1.8 Mbps |
| General Web Browsing | 3 Mbps |
| Downloading a Word Document | 1 Mbps |
Now that you’ve gotten a general idea about the speed requirements, it’s time to strike a deal with the ISP of your choice. Good luck and study hard!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get free internet? ![faq arrow icon]()
The Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline Program can provide you with internet for free or at a discounted price ( check your eligibility). Public wifi hotspots also act as free internet access points.
Is Wifi good for students? ![faq arrow icon]()
Wifi is a very significant tool for students in the digital world. It gives them access to online courses, video tutorials, research papers, reading materials, etc.
How to use public wifi safely? ![faq arrow icon]()
Follow the safety tips given below while using a public wifi hotspot:
- Check if the network is legitimate.
- Avoid entering your personal information.
- Always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
- Limit Airdrop and file-sharing options.
- Make sure your device has updated anti-malware software.
Check for services and offers available in your area
