Low‑cost high‑speed internet services

The most significant recent change in government assistance for internet access has been the lapse of the Affordability Connectivity Program. Due to insufficient funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was recently discontinued. Although there are ongoing efforts in Congress to fund the program and reinstate it, the ACP is functionally shut down and as of June 1, 2024, households are no longer receiving discounts through the ACP.

ACP played a vital role in providing discount internet to many households. However, alternatives are being introduced to fill this gap, ensuring continued support and low-cost internet for those in need, including Internet First.

Internet First is an initiative by Astound aimed at providing affordable internet access service to certain low-income households.

The program offers online connectivity with benefits such as:

• Consistent and dependable internet access
• Unlimited data usage without overage charges
• Installation services provided at no cost to the user

Internet First offers two main service plans, a 50 Mbps plan priced at $9.95 per month and a 150 Mbps plan priced at $19.95 per month. New customers qualify for three months free. Before signing up, perform an internet speed test or use our speed selector tool to determine which tier might be right for your household.

Both plans include a standard modem and WiFi, with no contracts or credit checks required.

Internet First aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone, regardless of financial situation, can access low income internet providers for their education, work, healthcare and communication needs.

Eligibility for the Internet First program is determined by several criteria to ensure that the service reaches those most in need. The main qualifications include:

Applicants must reside in an area where Astound provides Internet services. The program is available in specific states, including California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The household must participate in eligible public assistance programs. These include but are not limited to:

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Housing Assistance
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Other qualifying government assistance programs

Applicants may not have subscribed to any Astound Broadband services at the service location within 60 days immediately prior to applying.

To continue receiving the service beyond the initial period, households must submit a new application annually and provide updated documentation to verify they continue to qualify.

If you’re looking to find the best internet speed on a budget, follow the steps below to apply to the Internet First program.

1. Visit the official Internet First website.
2. Review eligibility criteria for qualifying for the program.
3. Complete the online application form with necessary personal and household information.
4. Upload or provide documentation to verify eligibility, such as proof of participation in government assistance programs or income verification documents.
5. After submission, await confirmation from the Internet First team regarding your application status and installation details.

If you qualify, you’ll be able to access affordable high-speed internet and take advantage of the many benefits provided by the Internet First program.

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is a significant federal initiative that allocates $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the United States.

This program funds planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs to enhance internet connectivity across all 50 states and territories.

The BEAD Program aims to reduce internet costs by:

• • Funding the construction and enhancement of broadband infrastructure in underserved and unserved areas, which lowers costs of deploying and maintaining internet services.
  • Supporting initiatives that promote the adoption of broadband services, including digital literacy programs and subsidized internet plans for low-income households.
  • Providing grants to state and local governments to develop solutions that address specific regional needs, making internet services more affordable and accessible.