Internet Resources - Free and Low-Cost Wi-Fi Options

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP) - BRINGING AFFORDABLE INTERNET TO FAMILIES
As part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to bring affordable Internet and connected devices to low-income households. Under the ACP program, qualifying households receive subsidies of $30/month for Internet access, and up to $100 toward the purchase of a connected device (computer or tablet) from an ACP provider. However, only 24% of eligible Pennsylvania households currently are taking advantage of this subsidy. 

Comcast/Xfinity – Comcast offers both an Internet Essentials package for $9.95/month and a free 100 Mbps service as part of the Affordable Connection Program.

For information on fast, affordable internet access, available to qualified families who receive free school lunches visit the following link Internet Essentials

Verizon - Verizon offers a reduced cost internet package if you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Other Internet Service Providers -- Check with other providers in the area to determine if they offer reduced cost internet access based on your situation.

s part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to bring affordable Internet and connected devices to low-income households. Under the ACP program, qualifying households receive subsidies of $30/month for Internet access, and up to $100 toward the purchase of a connected device (computer or tablet) from an ACP provider. However, only 24% of eligible Pennsylvania households currently are taking advantage of this subsidy.

Although schools and libraries are not applicants or direct beneficiaries in this program, we hope you will help us spread the word to your low-income families/patrons about this important program. Attached are one-page ACP Fact Sheets in both English and Spanish languages. Also, the FCC has developed an ACP Toolkit (https://www.fcc.gov/acp-consumer-outreach-toolkit) that contains a collection of social media, printables, and other content to assist communities, outreach partners, and grassroots organizers in raising awareness about the ACP. These tools are free to use and can be co-branded and/or adjusted to your voice. Thank you for your help in ensuring Pennsylvania’s eligible households are aware of this important benefit. To learn more about ACP, including eligibility or enrollment information, call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.

WiFi Map helps you locate the nearest free Wi-Fi hotspots.

 Dauphin County Libraries offer free Wi-Fi in their libraries.

You may be able to pick up LDSD Wi-Fi outside the buildings in the parking lots (park close to the building). Use of a district laptop is required.

Many smartphones have the ability to operate as a mobile hotspot for other devices. Please check with your wireless provider to see if your smartphone is able to be used as a mobile hotspot.

Low-Cost Home Internet: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (also called Lifeline), is available to offset up to $30.00/month on your Internet service bill. A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Participates in one of the following assistance programs:
  • SNAP
  • Medicaid
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Veteran Survivor Benefits or Veteran Pension
  • Lifeline
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands: • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribal TANF
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Tribal Head Start (income-based)