High-speed internet is a necessity for employment, education, day-to-day tasks, telemedicine visits and staying in touch with friends and family, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a list of low-cost internet, and device, options in Rhode Island that we hope can help you stay connected. RIHousing is providing these as a courtesy, but do not have any connections to these providers. For more information, please contact the providers directly.
Cox
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LOW-COST STUDENT INTERNET – Connect2Compete package
Benefit: $9.95/month Wi-Fi
- Must have at least one K-12 student and participate in one of the following programs:
-
- Tenant-based voucher (such as the housing choice voucher program)
- Project-based voucher
- Section 8 subsidized housing development
- Public Housing
- National school lunch program
- SNAP
- TANF
- No program expiration – households stay enrolled for as long as they qualify
LOW-COST INTERNET PLAN – ConnectAssist package
Benefit: $30/month Internet
When combined with the Affordability Connectivity Program (see below), internet is free.
- Available to households who participate in an income based government assistance program, including: SNAP, TANF, Head Start, WIC, LIHEAP, federal public housing programs (including HCVP), SSI.
Verizon Lifeline Home Broadband Benefit
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Benefit:
- $20/month discount on Verizon Fios service (no expiration date)
Please note this benefit may be used for a phone OR broadband, but not both.
- Must qualify for government Lifeline Program. You can qualify 2 ways:
-
- if your income is 135% of less than the federal poverty guidelines
- Participation in qualifying federal assistance program (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing assistance, etc.)Click here To see if you are eligible >
Must verify identification via social security number, tribal ID number, or government ID such as a driver’s license, passport, taxpayer identification number, or other ID.
New subscribers: Click here to learn more >
Current subscribers: Call the Customer Sales and Service Team at 800-837-4966 for more information.
Click here for a paper application >
Haga clic aquí para obtener la solicitud en papel >
If you need support with LifeLine, call 1-800-234-9473
Reach Verizon Wireless at 1-800-837-4966
Affordable Connectivity Program
(formerly called the Emergency Broadband Benefit)
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Internet Benefit: $30/month towards any participating broadband service; households on tribal lands are eligible for up to $75/month (see below for providers)
Device Benefit: One time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet through a participating provider.
Program has no current expiration date.
Eligibility: Must meet one of the following criteria:
- Income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
OR
- A household may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if at least one member of the household:
- Receives assistance through Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit;
- Receives free or reduced-price school breakfast or lunch (including the Community Eligibility Provision);
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year; or
- The household is eligible for an existing qualified low-income program offered by a broadband service provider
Click here to see if you are eligible for the ACP Program >
Internet service providers participating in this program available to Rhode Islanders*:
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- Cox – Emergency Broadband Benefit for Qualifying Customers | Cox
- Verizon – Emergency Broadband Benefit program – Up to $30 Off Mobile or Home Internet Access | Verizon
- PCs for People – PCs for People Emergency Broadband Benefit (see program below – part of hotspot payment and monthly cost covered)
*For a complete list of providers participating, click here.
Affordable Connectivity Program Frequently Asked Questions >
PCs for People
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Internet Benefit: Purchase a mobile hotspot device for a one-time cost of $70 or $90 and pay $15/month for unlimited mobile internet service through Sprint LTE service.
Program is ongoing
Eligibility – Must meet one of the following criteria:
- Under at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines;
OR
- Proof of current enrollment in an income-based government assistance program (such as SNAP, TANF, Headstart, LIHEAP, Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program)
Device Benefit: PCs for People also sells refurbished desktop and laptop computers from approximately $150 and above, depending on availability.
Rhode Island Public Libraries
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- Most libraries have free Wi-Fi inside and outside of the buildings
- Most also provide computers for public use in the library.
- Some libraries have hotspots that library patrons may borrow.
- Libraries also offer digital literacy training
- Please contact your local library to become a member and learn what services they provide
Information current as of 01/31/2022 – Please reach out to individual providers for the most up to date internet pricing and plans.
