Comcast is increasing the speed of its Internet Essentials subscription, a $10-per-month internet connection for low-income families. New and existing users will be able to obtain download speeds of up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps starting March 1st. The news is part of the company’s aim to “bridge the digital divide” by addressing “digital literacy and the homework gap.” This is the second time in recent months that Comcast has increased the speed of Internet Essentials, which was increased to 25/3 Mbps in March 2020 in response to COVID-19.
The corporation is also offering to provide free, high-speed WiFi to 1,000 community centers across the country as part of the campaign. These “Lift Zones” are designed to provide a safe environment for children to access the internet, allowing them to access remote learning and finish homework when they are not at school. According to the corporation, it will reach its objective of 1,000 Lift Zones by the end of 2021, well ahead of schedule.
What is the best way for me to save $10 a month on WiFi?
Low-income families can take advantage of two programs offered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to save money on monthly internet bills.
Since 1985, the FCC Lifeline program has aided families across the country, but the Emergency Broadband Benefit program was formed in 2021 to assist families who have been adversely affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The FCC Lifeline Program
The cost of an Internet plan varies by state, but the average is between $50 and $100. If you increase that by a year, you could be paying more than $1,200 for access.
Citizens in every state, commonwealth, and territory can participate in the FCC Lifeline Program. This discount is available to anyone with incomes that are at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level. A family may also be eligible if they engage in other government aid programs.
A broadband internet connection costs $9.95 per month for those who qualify. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) teamed up with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer the Lifeline Program, which helps people with their applications.
Many low-income families might benefit from qualifying for this lifeline discount, and if approved, they can save a lot of money. Internet providers, like the Lifeline program, give discounts to individuals who qualify.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Within the COVID-19 relief legislation, the federal government introduced a program to provide discounts to qualifying families who were negatively impacted by the pandemic.
Families that want to save money on internet can take advantage of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program in one of three ways:
- To apply and find providers in your area, go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org.
- For a mail-in application, call 833-511-0311 or print the application online.
Applications should be forwarded to the following address:
Here are some of the requirements for applying to and being accepted into this program. Families must meet at least one of the following criteria, according to the FCC:
- Your household income is less than or equivalent to 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You get help from the government through programs like SNAP, Lifeline, or Medicaid.
- You are eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- For the current academic year, you’ve been awarded a Federal Pell Grant.
- As a result of a job loss or furlough, your income in 2020 was at or below $99,000 (single filers) and $198,000 (joint filers).
- You are eligible for your internet provider’s existing COVID-19 or low-income program.
If you meet these requirements, these two programs are worth checking into. It can help you and your family save money on internet bills, which can add up quickly when money is tight.
How long does it take for internet Essentials to be approved?
We’ll go over your application and let you know if you’ve been authorized via SMS, email, or regular mail. If we require documents, the quickest way to submit them is to snap a photo with your phone and upload it directly to the application! You could have a home Internet connection in 5-7 business days if you are authorized.
What is the most affordable Xfinity package?
What is the most affordable Xfinity package? Choice Limited TV is the cheapest Xfinity cable TV service, costing $30 per month. It’s vital to note that the majority of the programming comes from local networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX) and public access.
What are my options for getting free internet at home?
What is the best way for me to receive free Internet at home without having to pay anything?
- Freedom Pop is an acronym for “Free Internet.”
- NetZero is a free internet service provider.
- Free Internet via Wi-Fi Hotspot.
- For free internet, check with your service provider.
- In your area, look for a Municipal Wireless Network.
- Request free internet from a neighbor.
- For Free Internet, use InstaBridge.
Is Xfinity Wi-Fi available for free?
Is it going to cost anything? All Xfinity Mobile customers, as well as eligible* Xfinity Internet customers, get Xfinity WiFi at no extra cost. (Find out what Xfinity service level you have.)
What is the best way to receive free Wi-Fi at home?
Where Can I Get Free WiFi?
- Share the Internet connection on your smartphone.
- Use a database app for hotspots.
- Invest in a portable router.
- Popular WiFi Hotspots can be found here.
- Look for WiFi networks that are hidden.
What does the Xfinity Assistance Plan entail?
The Xfinity Assistance Plan was created by us. You may keep your Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Voice services at a lesser cost with the Plan. During this difficult time, the Plan also ensures that you do not accumulate big outstanding balances.
Is it possible for your WiFi to be stolen by your neighbors?
Neighbors and other outsiders can not only steal your Wi-Fi service, which you most likely pay for, but they may also have access to shared folders and other resources on your network if you don’t have proper security.