Low-Cost Internet Plans
All families with a student enrolled in a DOE school or program are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers monthly discounts up to $30 on internet bills, and a one-time device discount up to $100 with participating providers.
This program, launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is a replacement to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which provided broadband internet service for eligible New York City households at a reduced cost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To apply for this program, confirm your household’s eligibility, and find participating broadband internet providers, visit the ACP website. Families may also call the ACP helpline at (877) 384-2575.
The following internet plans are available to eligible participants. Eligibility varies by provider. Contact the provider for more information.
Altice (also known as Optimum)
Altice offers Altice Advantage, a plan that starts at $14.99/month. To qualify, you must be:
- eligible for--or participate in--the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); or
- a New York City resident who attends a New York City public school; or
- eligible for--or receive--Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and 65 years of age or older; or
- a veteran and receive state or federal public assistance.
Charter (also known as Spectrum)
Charter offers Spectrum Internet Assist, a plan that starts at $14.99/month. To qualify, one or more members of your household must be a recipient of one of the following assistance programs:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
- Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+ only)
Verizon
Verizon offers the Lifeline program, a plan that starts at $19.99/month. To qualify:
- Your annual income is at 135% or less than of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines
- You, or someone in your household, participates in a qualifying federal assistance program:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps), or
- Medicaid, or
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
For more eligibility information, visit Lifelinesupport.org
