Did you know that over 1.2 million military veterans and 4% of active-duty military members rely on federal assistance programs like SNAP? To put that into perspective, that is a population larger than some of our nation’s capital cities. These brave souls, who once donned uniforms and served our nation, now face the challenge of staying connected, amidst the rising costs of broadband internet.
The average base salary for an E-4 military member with four years of service is $34,977.60, placing them in the low-income bracket. For many, this means that the average U.S. internet bill of $65 per month consumes a significant portion of their monthly budget. That is nearly 2.6% of their annual income dedicated solely to internet connectivity. For those transitioning back to civilian life or living on a fixed income, every penny counts.
But there is good news. There are special programs that offer Internet for Veterans at reduced or free cost. Let’s dive in and see how these programs make the internet more affordable for our heroes.
Affordable Internet Providers For Veterans
Like many Americans, veterans can face financial challenges that make regular Internet services seem out of reach. Recognizing this, several internet providers have offered special packages and internet discounts for veterans. We will focus on some of these providers and the benefits they offer to veterans.
Spectrum Internet For Veterans
Spectrum, operated by Charter Communications, has made a name by keeping its offerings simple. Spectrum doesn’t have a specific military discount, but Spectrum Internet Assist for eligible low-income households is available for veterans considering low-cost digital connectivity. This program provides the Spectrum Internet 100 plan, free of charge, to eligible customers. Eligibility criteria include having at least one household member who receives government assistance.
Spectrum is also a partner in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that helps families save $30 on their internet bills, every month. You can apply this discount to any of the Spectrum Internet plans. This makes Spectrum a viable option for veterans seeking reliable internet services at rates as low as $0 per month.
The first tier, which offers Spectrum Internet at 300 Mbps, is available at a promotional price of $49.99 per month (for the first 12 months). Look at all the Spectrum ACP internet plans below:
| Internet Speed | Regular Price | Price After ACP |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | $30.00/mo | $0.00/mo |
| 300 Mbps | $49.99/mo | $19.99/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $69.99/mo | $39.99/mo |
| 1 Gbps | $89.99/mo | $59.99/mo |
In October 2022, they also started a new supersaver deal called Spectrum One. With this deal, people can get 300 Mbps fast internet, Advanced WiFi, and mobile phone service. In the first year, new customers can get all this for $49.99 per month. There are no extra costs or long-term contracts.
In short, Spectrum gives affordable internet for veterans. It’s a good choice for those who want to get online without spending too much.
Comcast Free Internet For Veterans
Xfinity, a subsidiary of Comcast, values the services of military veterans. As a token of appreciation, they offer a special promotion for those who have served in the military. If you are currently serving or have served in the past, Comcast wants to thank you with a $50 card. However, to avail of this offer, you must sign up before December 31, 2023.
Furthermore, Comcast is a proud participant in the ACP program, similar to other Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Eligible customers can benefit from this program by saving $30 per month on their internet bills.
For veterans on a budget, Xfinity offers affordable internet plans. In fact, when the government contributes $30 towards the bill, the low internet tier becomes completely free for veterans. Some plans might appear costly at a glance, like the 6,000 Mbps plan, but the lower speed tiers come at affordable monthly rates.
| Comcast ACP Internet Plans | |||
| Plan | Download Speed | Price | After ACP Credit |
| 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $9.95/mo. | Free |
| 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $29.95/mo. | Free |
| 200 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $30.00/mo. | Free |
| 400 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | $20.00/mo. |
| 800 Mbps | 800 Mbps | $70.00/mo. | $40.00/mo. |
| 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $80.00/mo. | $50.00/mo. |
| 1200 Mbps | 1200 Mbps | $90.00/mo. | $60.00/mo. |
| 6000 Mbps | 6000 Mbps | $299.95/mo. | $269.95/mo. |
With Xfinity, customers can also bundle services for additional savings. For instance, if you subscribe to Xfinity Internet, you can add a phone plan with unlimited data for just $45 per month. Bundling services, like Internet, TV, or phone, can lead to significant monthly discounts.
AT&T Internet Discount For Veterans
AT&T is one of the fastest and most reliable internet networks in the USA, supporting the military community. Most of their fiber-optic network ensures top-tier performance with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
AT&T offers an enticing internet discount for veterans that shaves $15 off monthly internet bills. This discount isn’t limited to just one plan; you can apply it across the board to any of AT&T’s offerings.
They have different speed options. Some areas have basic speeds starting at 50 Mbps. But in some places, you can get speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps!
| Plans | Price | After Discount | Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber 300 | $55.00/mo. | $40.00/mo. | 300 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 500 | $65.00/mo. | $50.00/mo. | 500 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 1000 | $80.00/mo. | $65.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 2 GIG | $150.00/mo. | $135.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 5 GIG | $250.00/mo. | $235.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps |
While AT&T’s unmatched performance comes at a premium, the company’s pricing is competitive. Starting prices for AT&T Fiber internet plans hover around $50 a month. However, for active-duty military families and veterans, this price becomes even more attractive with the exclusive $15 monthly discount.
To maximize your savings, apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which gives eligible users $30 off on monthly bills. You can also consider bundling your internet, cable TV, and phone plans for more savings.
Verizon Military Discounts
Verizon, a leading phone and internet company in the U.S., really values the hard work of our military folks. Verizon does not offer free internet for veterans. To show their thanks, they give special price cuts to people who have served in the military, both past and present.
If you’ve been in the military, or if you’re a close family member of someone who is, you can get these price cuts. This includes people from all parts of the military, like the Army, Navy, Air Force, and others.
So, what’s the deal? You can pick Fios Internet service, which includes offers like $5 off per month on 300 Mbps, $10 off per month on 500 Mbps, and $15 off per month on Gigabit Connection, among other benefits. You must show Verizon you were or are in the military to get these deals. You can do this with supporting documents, like a military email, a pay stub, or a military authorization/ ID card.
| Verizon Internet Military Discounts | |||
| Plan | Download Speed | Price | After Discount |
| Fios 1 Gig | 940 Mbps | $89.99/mo. | $74.99/mo. |
| Fios 500 | 500 Mbps | $69.99/mo. | $59.99/mo. |
| Fios 300 | 300 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Additionally, Verizon’s commitment to the military community shines through in various other ways. The company has been recognized as a top military employer and has forged partnerships with organizations like Hirepurpose, Hiring Our Heroes, Military Spouse Employment Partnership, and the Wounded Warrior Project. This shows that Verizon cares about thanking our military heroes.
Optimum Internet Military Discount
Optimum, under the Altice brand, is known for its commitment to providing affordable internet solutions in the northeastern US. While it’s confirmed that Optimum does not currently offer specific discounted or free internet plans for veterans, they have other programs in place to ensure that internet access is affordable for many.
One such program is the Altice Advantage Internet for the home. The Altice Advantage Internet plan is a low-cost option priced at $14.99 per month, offering speeds up to 50 Mbps. This low-income internet program is specifically available to veterans who are currently receiving public assistance. Additionally, seniors eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can also benefit from this program.
Furthermore, like previously discussed ISPs, Optimum is also a participant of the Affordable Connectivity Program and offers a $30 monthly discount on all Optimum internet plans.
| Optimum ACP Internet Plans | ||
| Plans | Regular Price | Price After ACP |
| Optimum Fiber 300 | $40.00/mo. | Free |
| Optimum 300 | $40.00/mo. | Free |
| Optimum Fiber 500 | $60.00/mo. | $30.00/mo. |
| Optimum 500 | $60.00/mo. | $30.00/mo. |
| Optimum Fiber 1 Gig | $80.00/mo. | $50.00/mo. |
| Optimum 1 Gig | $80.00/mo. | $50.00/mo. |
| Optimum Fiber 2 Gig | $100.00/mo. | $70.00/mo. |
| Optimum Fiber 5 Gig | $280.00/mo. | $250.00/mo. |
Moreover, Optimum provides bundling opportunities. By combining the internet with other services like mobile or TV, customers can achieve bigger savings. This bundling option can be particularly beneficial for veterans looking to maximize their discounts and get the most value out of their internet package.
Free Internet for Disabled Veterans
Comcast has initiated a commendable program that offers free internet connections for two months to disabled veterans, as well as, low-income veterans and military families within its service area. But Comcast isn’t the only provider extending such generosity.
Other internet service providers also offer free internet services through ACP. Some of the leading ACP internet providers include Spectrum, AT&T, and Frontier. These providers offer basic internet for $0 per month to those who qualify under the ACP.
It’s worth exploring the options and checking eligibility criteria to see if you or someone you know can benefit from these programs.
| Free Internet for Disabled Veterans | ||
| Verizon | $0.00/mo. | Order Now |
| Spectrum | $0.00/mo. | Call Now |
| Optimum | $0.00/mo. | Call Now |
| AT&T | $0.00/mo. | Call Now |
| T-Mobile | $0.00/mo. | Call Now |
| Xfinity | $0.00/mo. | Call Now |
Best Internet Relief Programs for Veterans
Veterans and active military members deserve good internet without spending too much. There are many programs that help them get affordable or free internet and gadgets. Here are some ways they can save:
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
This initiative extends assistance to qualifying groups, including military members and veterans. The program offers up to $30 per month off on broadband service, and for those living on qualifying Tribal lands, the discount goes up to $75 per month.
Additionally, the ACP provides a one-time discount of $100 on a laptop, desktop, or tablet, given that the participant contributes $10 to $50 towards the price. To qualify for the ACP, veterans need to participate in federal assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid or be part of the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit program.
Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) was a program introduced in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the increasing importance of Internet connectivity during such times, the EBB aimed to ensure that Americans, including veterans, remained connected to the Internet even if they faced financial difficulties.
The significance of this program was heightened during periods when remote work, online education, and telehealth services became essential for many. However, the Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021. This new program likely carries forward the objectives of the EBB, possibly with expanded benefits or broader eligibility criteria.
Lifeline Program For Veterans
The Lifeline Program is a special plan set up by the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC for short. It’s made to help veterans who might have a hard time paying for phone or internet services. This program offers internet discounts for veterans, which means they pay less for their phone or internet bills. Specifically, Lifeline provides up to a $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income subscribers. And if the veterans live on Tribal lands, they can get an even bigger discount of up to $34.25 per month. The exact amount they save can change based on where they live or which company provides their service. But the main idea is to make it cheaper for them.
To get this discount, veterans need to show they qualify. This means they might have to share some information, such as their annual income or proof of enrolment in the government-assisted programs. If they fit the criteria, they can get a discount.
Final Word
Finding the right internet for Veterans can be tough. But it’s super important for our veterans and military folks to get good internet without spending too much. Happily, many ISPs want to help.
From specialized discounts to dedicated programs, there’s a wide array of options available. It’s heartening to see the recognition and appreciation extended by these companies to those who’ve served our nation. Whether you’re looking for a basic connection or high-speed fiber-optic service, there’s likely a plan out there that fits your needs and budget.
When picking a service, think about what you really need. Look at the price, but also see if the service is good. The best choice is one that gives you good internet for a price that feels right.
