Out of money but need the internet?
Here’s how to get free internet at home.
We also cover ways toget free internet on the go.
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communicate with the internet service providers in your area for specific information.
Free Local Wi-Fi: Ask Your Neighbors
Completely free if your neighbors are generous.
May provide good speed if your neighbors are close.
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Asking for access might be uncomfortable.
Unreliable; your neighbor might shut off Wi-Fi at night or move unexpectedly.
Setup is simple and works for all your Wi-Fi devices.
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Still requires you to pay for mobile internet.
Hotspot features might cost on your phone plan.
This works by borrowing data from yourself.
If you have unlimited mobile data, this is a smart way to extend those benefits to your home.
Your mobile plan must support hotspots for this to work.
Many phone plans have limited data.
Free Internet for Low-Income Families: EveryoneOn.org
Helps you find free or low-cost internet if you qualify.
Can also help you find computer hardware.
Pairs well with grant programs.
Not available to everyone.
A grant could pay for a low-cost internet service provider found through EveryoneOn.org in its entirety.
Free Public Wi-Fi Networks: Wi-Fi Free Spot
Completely free if one is available.
Extremely limited utility, as most people don’t live close enough to one to use it.
May deliver slow speeds due to congestion.
Wi-Fi Free Spot is a directory of businesses, organizations, and other entities that offer free Wi-Fi access.
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Otherwise, this is still a great way to find a spot to link up your laptop or phone.
You may be able to combine a good deal with assistance from another program.
Not available from every service provider.
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Typically not totally free.
Most of the best internet service providers offer significantly cheaper plans than advertised, just for the asking.
Discounts can drive down the cost of internet service, too.
Free Internet for Seniors: Lifeline
Excellent low-cost and free options for seniors and other qualifying people.
Choose your provider to find the best price and service.
This program doesn’t offer internet access directly.
Instead, it provides a monthly stipend that you could use to pay a phone or internet bill.
Free Citywide Wi-Fi: Municipal Wireless Networks
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May be totally free if available.
Not available in most locations.
web link might be congested due to heavy use.
Municipal wireless networks are large Wi-Fi networks designed to serve an entire municipality.
Although municipal wireless networks aren’t widespread, checking if your city has one is worth the effort.
Students could receive a free data plan.
Not available from every school district.
May provide low-cost but not free access.
Even if not, they may be able to help out with hardware, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Free Monthly Data for Eligible Californians: FreedomPop
A free option for low-income families in California.
Free for unlimited talk, text, and data.
Doesn’t shut off data after 10 GB; just reduces speeds.
Available only to eligible customers.
Taxes and fees apply.
FreedomPop is a mobile virtual data pipe operator (MVNO) that provides low-cost and free internet access.
