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Information about Affordable Internet Offers, Low-Cost Devices, and Learning Content to Assist During COVID-19

By albanyhousing | Published: March 18, 2020

FREE OR LOW-COST INTERNET SERVICE AND OTHER RELATED RESOURCES (DEVICES AND CONTENT) THAT CAN ASSIST HUD-ASSISTED RESIDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS*

I. National Locator Tool for Low-Cost Internet Service Offers: everyoneon.org/find-offers.

  • Provided by HUD’s nonprofit partner, EveryoneOn, the locator is easy to use. Users simply type in their zip codes and answer a few questions to determine eligibility for low-cost offers by the major Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
  • The site has been updated to reflect new offers many ISPs have made to help ensure connectivity for low-income Americans during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A. COVID-19 Updates to Specific Low-Cost Internet Service Offers. Featured below is a list of the major ISPs, their low-cost offers, and specific updates to their offers made in response to the Federal Communication Commission’s “Keep Americans Connected” pledge which was designed to help all Americans stay connected to the Internet during the COVID-19 crisis.

  1. AT&T’s “Access by AT&T.” Available in 21 states.  One family member must be eligible for SNAP.
  2. Charter Communications’ low-cost offer is “Spectrum Internet Assist” and is based on eligibility for the National School Lunch Program.
    • COVID-19 response: Charter is now offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have service through Spectrum. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installations fees are waived. There are no data caps.
    • For more information go to: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-TjZ8yN2VKMFbhaoG_FIquGgyCD4aSPS/view.
  3. Comcast’s low cost offer “Internet Essentials” is available to any low-income American.
    • COVID-19 Response: Internet Essentials will be free to new customers. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month.
    • Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward.
    • Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visitxfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
    • Data overages will no longer apply for 60 days.
    • No Disconnects or Late Fees: Comcast will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact them to let them know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Comcast care teams will be available tooffer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.
    • For more information and updates from Comcast related to Coronavirus, visit: http://www.comcastcorporation.com/COVID-19/
  4. Cox Communications’ Connect2Compete is for families with school-aged children who are enrolled in low-income assistance programs.
  5. The Starry Internet Company’s affordable service Starry Connect is available in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and Denver in affordable housing developments.
  6. T-Mobile:
    • COVID-19 Response: While T-Mobile does not have a low-cost offer, it has announced that starting now, all current T-Mo and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans with data will have unlimited smartphone data for 60 days, excluding roaming. Most subscribers already have unlimited data, but now people who may be on an older plan with a data allotment have unlimited data. Also, Starting soon, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers will have an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data for the next 60 days.
    • For more information go to: https://www.tmonews.com/2020/03/t-mobile-metro-unlimited-data-mobile-hotspot-coronavirus/
  7. Other smaller or regional ISPs have offers as well:
    • This Open Source Document lists information about special programs regional ISPs are offering in response to the crisis.

B. The Lifeline program provides a subsidy to HUD-assisted residents for phone and/or Internet service. Annual recertification requirements have been postponed for 60 days by the FCC.

C. For updates to these offers: See the Federal Communications Commission’s “Keep Americans Connected” page.

II. LOW-COST DEVICES:

 III. LEARNING CONTENT

  1. ABCMouse – online learning content for kids 3-8+ years of age. Provided by the company Age of Learning.  District or school leaders can visit ageoflearning.com/schools to obtain free in-home access to ABCMouse and other programs for their students. For more information, see their media advisory.
  2. Recommendations for the whole family by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit dedicated to online safety of minors:

For more, visit:  commonsensemedia.org or commonsense.org/education

  1. Virtual museum tours provided by 12 of the top museums in the world, from London to Seoul.
  2. Government-wide information: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus#item-214586

 

*This information does not constitute an endorsement by HUD.

Prepared by the Community & Supportive Services Division, Office of Public Housing Investments, 3.17.2020