How to Get Affordable Internet Through Optimum

How to Get Affordable Internet Through Optimum

Finding affordable internet shouldn’t feel like an impossible feat. If you’re looking for ways to cut your monthly bills without sacrificing connectivity, Optimum’s Advantage Internet program might be exactly what you need. Let’s break down how you can access budget-friendly internet service and stay connected without hurting your wallet.

What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a lifeline for millions of American households. This federal program slashed internet bills by up to $30 monthly, or up to $75 for families living on Tribal lands. But here’s the tough news: the program ran out of funding in April 2024 [1].

This sudden change left many families scrambling. Fortunately, Optimum responded with its own solution: the Advantage Internet program. While it doesn’t replace the ACP dollar-for-dollar, it offers a genuine path to affordable connectivity for qualifying households.

Understanding Optimum’s Advantage Internet Program

Optimum launched its affordability initiative back in 2017 under parent company Altice USA [2]. Originally called Altice Advantage Internet, the program started with download speeds of 30Mbps for just $14.99 monthly.

Today, the program offers three tiers [3]:

Advantage Internet: 100 Mbps download speed for $15 per month

FASTPASS Internet: 200 Mbps download speed for $25 per month

300 Mbps Fiber Internet: 300 Mbps download speed for $40 per month

All plans deliver solid internet performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and video calls. Plus, you won’t find any hidden surprises—no equipment fees, no data caps, and no contracts tying you down [4].

Are you eligible?

Who qualifies for Advantage Internet?

Optimum created this initiative to serve households with limited income, elderly residents, and military veterans. Your household is eligible if at least one member:

• Enrolls in a public school within New York City
• Has reached the age of 65 and qualifies for or currently receives SSI benefits
• Served in the military and gets public assistance at the federal or state level
• Takes part in the NSLP

Additionally, you must not currently subscribe to any Optimum Internet service. Former customers can apply only if their service ended at least 60 days ago and their previous account has no outstanding balances or unresolved issues [4].

How to apply for Optimum Advantage Internet

Ready to apply? First, check that Optimum Internet services your address by entering your zip code here. There is no point in wasting time applying if they don’t provide service to your area.

Once you confirm that Optimum is available to you, you can call 1-833-440-3174 or visit Optimum Advantage’s online portal.

Keep in mind you will need to provide proof of eligibility either during your application or after reviewing your submission. Acceptable documents include:

• SSI award letters
• Veteran benefits documentation
• School lunch program enrollment verification
• Public assistance program confirmation

You can submit documents through traditional mail or upload them electronically as JPG or PDF files. The digital route typically speeds things along.

Comparing Optimum’s standard plans

If you don’t qualify for Advantage Internet but still want budget-friendly service, Optimum offers several affordable internet options:

300Mbps Internet: $40 monthly for the first year.

500Mbps Internet: $50 monthly for the first year. Includes Disney+, Hulu bundle for 6 months, and unlimited mobile line for 1 year.

1 Gig Internet: $60 monthly for the first year. Includes 2-year price lock, Disney+, Hulu bundle for 6 months, and unlimited mobile line for 1 year.

All plans include unlimited data, no contracts, and no equipment rental fees.

Just remember: Optimum increases prices after your promotional period ends. Plan accordingly and consider switching providers after a year or two if better deals emerge.

Why choose Optimum for affordable internet?

Optimum brings several advantages to the table beyond just affordable pricing. The company operates one of the largest fiber networks among cable-first internet providers, reaching nearly 3 million households [5]. Fiber internet delivers faster, more reliable connections than traditional cable, with symmetrical upload and download speeds.

The provider’s cable and fiber service covers 21 states, with strong availability in the Northeast—particularly New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Optimum also sweetens the deal with perks like a 60-day money-back guarantee for fiber customers. If the service doesn’t meet your expectations within the first two months, you’ll get a full refund. New customers who sign up for the 1-gig plan and bundle with mobile or TV service receive a $100 gift card. Plus, Optimum currently offers six months of Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for free.

Satisfaction score is improving

The customer satisfaction question

Here’s the elephant in the room: Optimum struggles with customer satisfaction ratings. The American Customer Satisfaction Index gave Optimum’s fiber service a score of 71 out of 100 in 2025—below the 75-point industry average [6]. Its cable service scored even lower at 63 points, well under the 70-point category average [6].

What’s driving these low scores? Customer complaints often mention unclear billing, high standard prices after promotional periods, and frustrating customer support experiences. Some users also report issues with equipment quality.

That said, Optimum’s fiber satisfaction score improved by 8% year-over-year—the only fiber provider in the ACSI study showing growth. The company seems to be moving in the right direction, even if there’s still ground to cover.

How to choose the right internet provider

Choosing the right internet plan depends on your specific situation. If you qualify for Advantage Internet, it’s tough to beat. The base plan’s 50Mbps handles most household needs just fine, including HD streaming, video conferencing, and general browsing.

Need faster speeds for multiple users or 4K streaming? The Advantage+ plan’s 100Mbps should cover you. And if you don’t qualify for either Advantage program, Optimum’s standard 300Mbps plan at $40 monthly still beats many competitors during that first promotional year.

Consider your household’s internet usage patterns. A family of four streaming multiple devices simultaneously needs more bandwidth than a single person checking email and browsing social media. Optimum’s no-contract policy gives you flexibility—if a plan doesn’t work out, you can switch without penalties.

Find the best internet plan for YOU

Ready to get connected? Finding the right internet service starts with knowing what’s available at your address. Internet availability varies dramatically by location—even houses on the same street sometimes have different options.

Enter your zip code below to discover which providers serve your area and compare their plans side-by-side.

Affordable connectivity is within reach; you just need to know where to look.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Optimum Advantage Internet approval take?

Most applications receive approval within a few business days. However, processing times can extend if Optimum needs additional documentation to verify eligibility. Have your proof of eligibility documents ready when applying to speed up the process. Once approved, installation typically happens within a week.

Can I upgrade from Advantage Internet to a faster plan later?

Yes, you can upgrade to Optimum’s standard plans at any time without penalty. Keep in mind that upgrading means you’ll lose the Advantage Internet pricing and move to standard promotional rates. Calculate whether the extra speed justifies the higher cost for your household’s needs before making the switch.

Does Optimum’s Advantage Internet include Wi-Fi equipment?

Yes, Optimum includes a Wi-Fi gateway at no extra charge with both Advantage Internet plans. There are no equipment rental fees or hidden charges.

Sources

[1] Fcc.gov.

[2] Investors.alticeusa.com. “Press Release"

[3] Optimum.com. “Advantage Internet"

[4] Reviews.org. “Optimum Low Income Internet.".

[5] Reviews.org. “Optimum Coverage and Availability"

[6] Theacsi.org. “Internet Service Providers"