There are many low-cost internet options available to Washington State residents. The Washington State Broadband Office has compiled a list of some of the most widely available low-cost broadband internet service options available across the State.
Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program that helps lower the monthly cost of phone or internet service. Qualifying consumers can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25 off the cost of their phone, internet or bundled services. Consumers living on qualifying tribal lands can get up to $34.25 per month.
Who is involved in the lifeline program?
- FCC – The Federal Communications Commission establishes policies and regulations for Lifeline and provides guidance to USAC.
- USAC – The Universal Service Administrative Company administers the Lifeline program and helps you apply for the program, understand eligibility requirements and keep your benefit current through the annual recertification process.
- Phone or Internet Company – Enrolls you in the Lifeline program, manages your service, and answers questions about your service, phone, device or bill.
- Consumers – Apply for Lifeline, sign up with a participating phone or internet company, keep their information up to date and may have to recertify annually.
Learn more or apply for the Lifeline Program.
Xfinity (Comcast) Internet Essentials
Xfinity Internet Essentials offers unlimited internet, with speeds up to 75 Mbps, for $14.95/month + tax to low-income Washington residents. To qualify for Internet Essentials, households must meet the following criteria.
- Reside in an area serviceable by Comcast.
- Participate in qualifying assistance programs or qualify based on your income. Examples Include: National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid and SNAP.
- Not be an existing Xfinity Internet customer.
- Have no outstanding Comcast balance.
Learn more or apply for Internet Essentials.
AT&T Access
Access from AT&T provides low-cost home internet to eligible households. To qualify, households must meet the following criteria.
- Reside in an area serviced by AT&T
- Have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
- Participate in a qualifying program such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid etc.
Learn more or apply for AT&T Access.
Verizon Forward
Verizon Forward offers discounts of up to $30 on home internet to eligible customers who participate in Federal Assistance Programs. To qualify, households must meet the following criteria.
- Participate in a qualifying Federal Assistance Program such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid or Federal Public Housing Assistance. For a complete list of qualifying programs visit https://www.verizon.com/discounts/verizon-forward/
Learn more or apply for Verizon Forward.
Astound Internet First
Astound Internet First offers unlimited, high-speed internet for qualifying families, seniors and students for as low as $9.95/month + tax for 50 Mbps. To qualify, households must meet the following criteria.
- Reside in an area where Astound is available
- The participant or a dependent member of the household is receiving eligible public assistance (see a full list of eligible public assistance programs at internetfirst.com).
- Residents of the household have not subscribed to any Astound Broadband services at the service location within the sixty (60) day period immediately prior to applying for the program
