Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Veterans and Military

As a veteran or member of a military family, staying connected is essential. You may be moving around to different bases and living in a different state or country from most of your family. The internet lets you keep in touch with loved ones during deployments. You can also access important resources online or pursue educational opportunities.

Finding affordable, reliable internet service on a tight budget can be a challenge. Fortunately, a number of internet providers, government programs, and non-profit organizations offer discounted plans and special deals just for the military community.

Are There Military Discounts for Internet Plans?

Yes! Many major national internet providers extend special savings to active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Exact offers vary, but you can typically save from $10-40+ per month on your home internet bill. Even if a discount isn’t openly advertised, it’s always worth asking a provider about military pricing before signing up for service.

Don’t forget to ask about other ways to save too, like bundling multiple services, opting for paperless billing, or bringing your own equipment to skip rental fees. These small discounts can really add up over time.

Internet Providers Offering Military Discounts

AT&T Military Discount

AT&T offers a generous $15 monthly discount on home internet for active duty, veterans, and military families. You can combine this with their bundled savings when you package internet with wireless phone and TV services. To sign up, just complete AT&T’s online military verification form.

Verizon Fios Military Discount

Verizon provides a special military discount on their Fios fiber-optic internet plans, ranging from $5-15 off per month depending on the speed tier you choose. Their mix-and-match plans let you pick your ideal combination of internet, TV, and home phone services. Proof of military service is required.

 

 

Xfinity Military Discount

Xfinity from Comcast doesn’t have an ongoing veteran’s discount, but they do extend an exclusive offer to servicemembers who sign up for the first time. New military customers can get a $100 Visa prepaid card plus a $25 coupon, adding up to $125 in initial savings. Xfinity also allows you to transfer service to a new address with no early termination fees in the event of a military move or deployment.

Cox Military Discount

While Cox doesn’t have a specific discount for service members, they do support veterans in other important ways. The company employs hundreds of vets and participates in the Veteran Jobs Mission, which aims to help military members transition to civilian careers. Cox is also very active in promoting digital equity through programs like Connect2Compete, which provides low-cost internet to eligible families including any low-income military households.

Discounted Internet for Low-Income Veterans

In addition to military-specific offers, low-income veterans and military families may qualify for federal or provider programs that subsidize the cost of home internet based on financial need.

The Lifeline Program

The FCC’s Lifeline program offers a discount of $9.25 per month off internet or phone services to households that meet income requirements or are enrolled in certain government benefits programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and Veterans Pension [1]. You can see if you’re eligible and apply on the Lifeline National Verifier site.

Internet Essentials from Comcast

This low-cost internet plan from Xfinity provides speeds up to 50 Mbps for just $9.95 per month. Veterans who receive state or federal public assistance, including VA Medical Disability, are eligible to participate. Includes in-home Wi-Fi and the option to purchase a heavily subsidized computer.

Access from AT&T

AT&T’s Access program offers wireline internet service for as little as $5-10 per month to limited-income households, which includes many veterans and military families. You may qualify if you receive SNAP or SSI benefits or have an income under 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Spectrum Internet Assist

This low-cost plan from Charter Spectrum is available to seniors and families who participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), NSLP, or SSI. It provides up to 30 Mbps speeds and in-home WiFi for $14.99 per month. Qualifying veterans can get assistance signing up through community organizations.

 

 

Nonprofit Programs for Veterans’ Internet

There are also a variety of non-profit organizations and programs dedicated to helping veterans and military families locate affordable internet and digital resources.

Veterans Advantage

Veterans Advantage is a paid membership program that provides exclusive benefits and discounts to military families [2]. Subscribers receive a VetRewards Card that can be used to access savings on internet, wireless plans, electronics, and more from major brands. A free 30-day trial is available.

PCs for People

PCs for People offers low-cost refurbished computers and mobile hotspot devices to eligible individuals and families, including veterans [3]. You may qualify if your income is less than 200% of the national poverty level or you are enrolled in certain government assistance programs. They also provide discounted, unlimited wireless internet service starting at $15/month.

Tech for Troops

Tech For Troops provides free laptops and computers to veterans, active duty military, and their families [4]. They also offer computer skills training to help vets transition to civilian IT careers. Equipment is donated by businesses and individuals. All data is securely erased and systems are refurbished by volunteers before distribution.

The Digital Divide Consult Program

This initiative from the Department of Veteran Affairs aims to equip low-income and homeless veterans with internet-connected tablets, in part to help promote telehealth services (virtual medical care) [5]. The program solicits device donations from individuals and corporate partners, then works with VA social workers to distribute them to veterans in need. As the program’s name implies, it is working to ease the digital divide between those who have internet and those who do not.

Other Charitable Groups

Organizations like Cell Phones for Soldiers and Operation Homefront provide free calling cards and refurbished mobile devices to help military families communicate during deployments [6]. USA Cares offers hardship grants that can be used for internet bills and other essential needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local chapters to see what assistance may be available.

 

More Ways for Military Families to Save on Internet

Looking for some additional strategies to keep your home internet bills under control? Here are a few more tips to consider:

Review Bundles and Packages

Combining your internet service with TV, home phone, and/or wireless service from the same provider almost always reduces your total bill compared to purchasing them separately. Plus, bundling multiple services can make you eligible for bonus perks like promotional gift cards and free streaming subscriptions.

Go Prepaid or Skip Contracts

For military families who have to move frequently, opting for a prepaid internet plan or one with no annual contract can provide much-needed flexibility. Month-to-month service tends to cost a bit more, but you’ll avoid early termination fees if you have to relocate or deploy suddenly. Look for providers that offer easy transfers of service to your new address when it’s time to PCS.

Consider Mobile Hotspot Devices

Using a 4G LTE cellular connection to power your home internet can be ideal for short-term housing or on-base living situations. Wireless carriers like T-Mobile, UScellular and Verizon all offer dedicated mobile hotspot devices with ample data allowances at military discounts. Just be mindful of data caps and speeds if your household does a lot of video streaming or gaming.

Helping Veterans and Military Families Find Affordable Internet

Internet access has become an essential tool for modern life, and no military family should have to strain their budget to stay connected. With a combination of military and veteran discounts, subsidy programs, and savvy shopping strategies, you can secure the reliable home internet you need at a price you can afford.

Sources

[1] FCC.gov. “Lifeline Program."

[2] WeSalute.com. “Benefits."

[3] PCsforPeople.org. “Internet."

[4] TechforTroops.org. “Hardware Upcycling."

[5] Telehealth.VA.gov. “Dgital Divide."

[6] CellPhonesForSoldiers.com. “Our Programs."

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