The internet has become a significant part of our lives. It is our connection to information, resources, community, and support. In this increasingly fast-paced and challenging world, it is almost impossible to imagine our life without an internet connection. While a high-speed internet connection has become a necessity, unfortunately, not every household can afford it. An internet plan comes with a hefty installation and service cost, making it almost impossible for a low-income household to afford one.
Fortunately, many internet service providers are making concerted efforts to make the internet accessible to all, and Spectrum is a ray of light in this regard. The service provider has introduced its ‘Internet Assist’ program that provides high-speed Spectrum Internet® for low-income households and individuals.
Let’s explore and get to know about the Spectrum Internet Assist program in detail.
Spectrum Internet Assist Program
Internet accessibility is still a problem for many American households. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), about 17 million school children do not have broadband access at home, resulting in the dire phenomenon known as the Homework Gap.
The main idea behind the Spectrum Internet Assist program is to let low-income households enjoy the basic features and perks of broadband internet at an affordable cost. The program aims to make education, healthcare, jobs, and every other necessity easily accessible for students, senior citizens, and every qualified individual residing in the United States.
Let’s take a look at some of the features of the program.
Features of Spectrum Internet Assist Program
Spectrum provides a 30 Mbps internet connection at a low cost, inclusive of every basic feature similar to that of its other plans. Some of the notable features of the Internet Assist Program are:
- No data caps. You can enjoy moderately fast internet with unlimited data.
- No annual contracts. The service is month to month, giving you the freedom to cancel the subscription or switch plans anytime you like.
- A free internet modem. This program includes a modem backed with the latest technology that provides fiber-like cable speeds.
- Free Security Suite. The 30/4 Mbps internet plan includes antivirus software that protects your systems from malware and other online threats.
- Add a WiFi router for just $5/month. Spectrum Internet Assist customers can enjoy whole-home WiFi coverage for an additional $5 per month.
Eligibility for Spectrum Internet Assist
Spectrum Internet Assist program is not for everyone and has some clearly defined eligibility criteria. You must be a recipient of one of the following programs to qualify for SIA:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP): It is a federally assisted meal program that offers free or low-cost meals to children in public, nonprofit, or child care institutions.
- Community Eligibility Provision: A non-pricing meal service for extremely poor schools, and school districts.
- Supplemental Security Income: A program that supports 65+ aged individuals and disabled children and adults.
It is important to remember that those currently subscribed to the Spectrum Internet, Internet Ultra, and Internet Gig plans are ineligible for this program. Also, participants of the following government-sponsored programs are not qualified to apply for Spectrum Internet Assist:
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits
Spectrum Internet Assist Cost
Spectrum Internet Assist program only costs about $14.99/month. This cost is fixed, and it doesn’t change at all during your subscription period. It means no price hike, and you even get a free Spectrum self-installation kit. You can also lease Spectrum’s Advanced WiFi 6 router for $5/month to cover the connectivity blindspots in your home. Spectrum ensures that you get basic broadband coverage, inclusive of all the features mentioned above, at a supremely low price.
Spectrum Internet Assist Speeds
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set the threshold for broadband speeds at 25 Mbps on the down and 3 Mbps on the upstream. But Spectrum goes the extra mile by offering 30 Mbps of download and 4 Mbps of upload speeds to subscribers of the Spectrum Internet Assist program. While we agree that these speeds are too slow for 4K streaming, professional gaming, and instant sharing of heavy files, they are light browsing, web surfing, and HD streaming.
Here is a breakdown of all the online activities that you can perform with Spectrum Internet Assist’s asymmetric speed combination of 30/4 Mbps.
| Online Activity | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Video Calling on Zoom in SD quality | 5 calls at once |
| Video Calling on Zoom in HD quality (720p) | 2 calls at once |
| Online Gaming | 3 users at once |
| Downloading a 148 GB online game | Takes 11 hours |
| Listening to music on Spotify | 50 streams at once |
| Watching HD videos on Netflix | 6 streams at once |
Bundling With Spectrum Internet Assist
You can also bundle the Spectrum Internet Assist program with Spectrum TV® and Voice for a reduced price of $75. However, you need to pay the standard installation fees for TV and phone service.
You get the same Spectrum Triple Play or Double Play features when you bundle with Spectrum Internet Assist. You can enjoy unlimited entertainment and connectivity with these bundles.
How to Apply For Spectrum Internet Assist Program?
Follow these simple steps to apply for the Spectrum Internet Assist program.
- Check if you or a member of your household meets the eligibility criteria for the Spectrum Internet Assist program.
- If yes, fill out the online application form and provide the supporting documents.
- Wait for a Spectrum customer service representative to contact you via email or phone.
Other Alternatives
Spectrum Internet Assist is only for current participants of the NSLP, CEP, and SSI programs. So what can you do if you or your family members do not qualify for the Spectrum Internet Assist but would still like to get high-speed internet at the lowest possible costs?
You can always apply for the Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to get 100 Mbps of internet speed, absolutely free.
Final Words
Contrary to popular belief, thousands of families still don’t have access to basic internet facilities. The digital divide remains wide, and telecommunication companies are working on bridging this gap. Spectrum Internet Assist program is an excellent initiative in this regard. This program allows you to access 30 Mbps of download speed, 4 Mbps of upload speed, and unlimited data for just $19.99 per month. So, if you qualify for this program, waste no time in applying because you and your loved ones are just one ‘Submit’ away from a prosperous life.
