Low-Cost Internet Services

Free Wi-Fi in Your Area

If you are having trouble getting online to use these programs, there are many public locations where you can find free Wi-Fi usage.

This link uses Google Maps to find free Wi-Fi in your area:  http://www.openwifispots.com/

You can also find free Wi-Fi in places such as those listed below.

National Chains with Free Wi-Fi

Starbucks

The coffee giant recently partnered with Google to bring free Wi-Fi access to each of their 7,000 locations throughout the country. Finding a Starbucks near you shouldn’t be a challenge, and by sticking to the basic menu (a tall cup of coffee is under $2) you can surf freely.

McDonald's

Over 11,500 McDonald’s locations offer free wireless access to customers…along with download speeds that are twice as fast as many other national chains.

To see if there’s a location with free Wi-Fi available near you, check their website and restaurant locator.

Dunkin' Donuts

You’ve probably heard that “America runs on Dunkin’” but you may not have known that this doughnut and coffee chain also offers free Wi-Fi to customers at thousands of locations. Check this page to see if your local Dunkins offers wireless access.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings offers free wireless connection at most locations, as well as a pretty affordable food and drinks, plus all major games and free viewings of pay-per-view events.

Target

Although you likely won’t be able to browse the web for an extended period of time at Target, you can save your data while shopping at the superstore by connecting to their free Wi-Fi hotspot.

Barnes & Noble

Most Barnes & Noble locations have a Starbucks cafe, which offers complimentary Wi-Fi. So, if you can find a quiet nook near the cafe, you can work on the program and browse the web completely free of charge!

Other Free Wi-Fi Options

Public Library

Using the free Wi-Fi available at the public library near you is an even cheaper alternative to connecting at a cafe or fast food establishment, where you will feel pressured to buy something. At most libraries the most you’ll need to get online is a valid library card, which is very easy to obtain.

Trains and Buses

Megabus, Boltbus, and Amtrak are among the several transportation lines offering free wireless connections to their customers. Choose to ride with one of these companies (and if you book early enough, you may even be able to snag a $1 ride!) next time you have to do business and buy yourself free Internet access for the duration of your trip.

Public Parks

If you enjoy working or just spending down-time outside, you’ll be pleased to learn that many cities are now introducing free open Wi-Fi networks in public parks. To find out if there a park in your area with free wireless, check this list.

Lowering Your Internet Rate

Connect2Compete by EveryoneOn is a program for K-12 students and provides affordable Internet and devices to students and families that qualify for the National School Lunch Program. C2C is offered in partnership with leading cable companies, including Cox, Bright House Networks, MediaCom, Suddenlink, Comcast’s Internet Essentials and others.

Eligible customers receive fast, affordable Internet for as low as $9.95 per month (plus tax). For most customers, there is no deposit required, contracts to sign, or installation or modem rental fees.

Do I Qualify?

A family may qualify for EveryoneOn’s Connect2Compete program if they satisfy the following requirements:

  • Have at least one child eligible or enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.
  • Have not subscribed to Internet service  within the last 90 days.
  • Have no outstanding bills or unreturned equipment.

Cheaper Internet Through Major Providers

If you currently subscribe to a major internet provider or know the major provider in your area, you can use the following links to find less-expensive internet rates:

 

If you didn’t see your company listed, you can go to Google and search “Lifeline” and your local company to see what offers they have.