Ways to Lower Internet and Mobile Costs

Internet and phone service are now basic needs for work, school, health care, and staying in touch. At the same time, monthly bills for home internet and mobile plans can add up quickly. This guide covers practical ways to review what you pay, programs worth researching, and low-cost connectivity options many communities offer.

What You Should Know

Connectivity costs depend on the provider, the plan, your location, and any extra fees or add-ons. Prices and promotions change often, so a plan that made sense a year or two ago may not be the best fit today.

A few key points:

• The Affordable Connectivity Program has ended. This federal program stopped taking new enrollments and ended in 2024. If you relied on it, it may be worth reviewing your current plan and the other options below.
• Lifeline is a separate, ongoing FCC program that may help eligible households with phone or internet service.
• Many providers offer their own reduced-cost plans for households that meet certain criteria.
• Eligibility is set by each program or provider, so check directly before switching plans.

Common Options

Review Your Current Plans

Start by looking closely at your bills:

• Check your internet speed. Many households pay for more speed than they use. Think about how many people and devices are online at once and what you use them for.
• Look at your mobile data use. Your phone’s settings usually show how much data you use each month. If you regularly use far less than your plan includes, a smaller plan may be worth considering.
• Find extra charges. Equipment rental, late fees, premium add-ons, and services you no longer use can increase your bill.
• Watch for promotional pricing ending. Introductory rates often go up after a set period.

Provider Low-Income Plans

Many internet and mobile providers offer reduced-cost plans for households that participate in certain public programs or meet income guidelines. These plans are run by the providers themselves, and features, speeds, and requirements differ. Ask providers in your area whether they offer an “affordable,” “low-income,” or “assistance” plan, and what documents they need.

Lifeline (FCC)

Lifeline is a long-running program overseen by the Federal Communications Commission. In general terms, it may provide a monthly discount on phone service, internet service, or a bundle of both for eligible households. Eligibility is commonly tied to household income or participation in certain other public programs, and only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. You can learn more on the FCC’s website, and you apply through the official national verification process or a participating provider.

Prepaid Plans

Prepaid mobile plans let you pay upfront each month without a long-term contract. They can be a good option if you want more control over spending or do not need features like international roaming. Things to compare include data limits, network coverage in your area, and what happens if you use up your data before the month ends.

Library Hotspots and Public Wi-Fi

Many public libraries lend mobile hotspots that you can check out like a book. Libraries, community centers, and some schools also offer free Wi-Fi and public computers. These can be helpful for job searches, schoolwork, or online appointments if home internet is not an option right now.

Who May Find This Useful

• Households looking to reduce monthly bills
• Families who previously used the Affordable Connectivity Program
• Students and job seekers who need reliable internet access
• Older adults who want a simpler, lower-cost phone plan
• Anyone whose promotional rate recently ended

Things to Consider

• Be careful with bundles. Bundling internet, TV, and phone can sometimes cost less, but bundles may include services you do not use or prices that rise after a promotional period. Compare the full cost of each service separately and together.
• Read contract terms. Early termination fees and equipment return rules can affect the cost of switching.
• Consider buying your own equipment. Some providers allow customer-owned modems or routers, which can remove monthly rental fees. Check compatibility with your provider first.
• Check coverage before switching mobile carriers. A lower price is not helpful if service is weak where you live or work.
• Protect your information. Only apply for Lifeline through official channels or participating providers. Be wary of anyone who asks for payment to enroll you in a public program.

Where to Start

1. Gather your most recent internet and phone bills and list every charge.
2. Check your actual data and speed needs using your device settings and router information.
3. Call your current providers and ask about reduced-cost plans, removing unused add-ons, or switching to a better-fitting plan.
4. Visit the FCC website to learn more about Lifeline and how to apply.
5. Ask your local library about hotspot lending and free Wi-Fi.

Helpful Resources

• Federal Communications Commission — information on Lifeline and consumer guides on phone and internet service
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — tools for tracking household spending
• 211 — local referrals, including digital access resources
• USA.gov — official information on federal consumer programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Affordable Connectivity Program coming back?

The program ended in 2024 when its funding ran out. For current information on federal connectivity programs, check the FCC’s website directly.

Can Lifeline and a provider’s low-income plan be used together?

It depends on the provider and the plan. Some providers allow a Lifeline discount on certain plans. Ask the provider directly how the two work together.

Are prepaid plans lower quality than regular plans?

Not necessarily. Many prepaid plans run on the same major networks. Speeds may sometimes be managed differently during busy times, so read the plan details and check coverage in your area.

Next Steps

Set aside some time to review your bills and write down what you actually use. Then make a few calls to compare plans and ask about reduced-cost options. Even small changes to your plan can add up over a year.