Get internet for as low as $10 per month through Astound's program for low-income homes
by Kevin Parrish
Edited by Jessica Brooksby
Jun 7, 2024 Share
Brand Guides, How-To, Low-Income
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has closed, and the discounts have ceased. Homes that depended on the reduced internet cost now face the standard rate and the possibility of switching to a more budget-friendly service.
Astound Broadband has just the program for tight budgets. Qualifying households can get up to 150Mbps for very little money. New customers even get the first three months free.
We’ll explain what you need to qualify for Astound’s discounted internet and how to apply for Lifeline to help reduce your monthly internet bill even more.
Can you get Astound Broadband where you live?
Before we move on, enter your zip code below to see if Astound Broadband offers service in your area.
Jump to: What happened when the ACP ended? | What is the Internet First program? | Who qualifies for the Internet First program? | How to apply for the Internet First program | Other Astound Broadband options | Other providers with similar options | Additional resources | FAQ
Jump to:
- What happened when the ACP ended?
- What is the Internet First program?
- Who qualifies for the Internet First program?
- How to apply for the Internet First program
- Other Astound Broadband options
- Other providers with similar options
- Additional resources
- FAQ
First, here’s what happened with Astound when the ACP ended
April 2024 was the last fully funded month of the ACP. Astound Broadband allowed customers to discontinue service with no termination fees or continue with their service at the standard rate (or at the current promotional rate for new customers).
Starting in June, Astound customers will not receive ACP-based discounts. Instead, they’re encouraged to apply for Astound’s Internet First program. They can also apply for the government’s Lifeline program, which offers a discount of up to $9.25 per month for low-income families or up to $34.25 for subscribers on Tribal lands.
What is the Internet First program?
Internet First was first introduced to the Grande, RCN, and Wave networks in 2020. It provided a 25Mbps plan at $9.95 per month for new low-income residential customers. At the time, Astound’s networks also waived installation fees, late fees, and disruptions due to non-payment. The service was even free for the first 60 days.
“The Internet First program is affordable internet designed to help families and students in low-income households to have reliable access to the internet. It will enable them to home school, do homework, and access educational resources and more,” Astound Broadband said at the time.
Astound relaunched the program four years later with two affordable internet plans for qualified households. To reduce their monthly internet costs even more, Astound customers can also apply for the government’s ACP alternative, Lifeline.
Who qualifies for the Internet First program?
Eligibility for the Internet First program requires one member of your household to be enrolled in at least one of the following programs:
- Federal-assisted aid programs for students
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicaid
- Public housing assistance
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)/Head Start
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal assistance
- Unemployment
- VA pension
- WIC
How do you apply for the Internet First program?
In addition to supplying proof of enrollment in the programs listed above, potential subscribers must also meet the following criteria:
- Has not been an Astound Broadband customer for 60 days prior to the application
- Has one form of primary identification (driver’s license, current U.S. passport, certification of U.S. Citizenship, etc.) or two forms of secondary identification (non-photo driver’s license, Social Security card, marriage certificate, etc.)
Consult Astound’s FAQ for more information about the types of documents you need to provide when you apply.
To submit these documents online, they must be 7MB each and in one of the following formats:
- JPG
- TIFF
- GIF
- PNG
- DOCX
- DOC
If you don’t have a scanner, you can take photos of all documentation and upload them when you apply.
Applicants are encouraged to click on the button below to sign up for the program online. However, you can download the application and email the completed form along with the required Proof of Eligibility documentation to ifdocuments@astound.com.
Online applications take around 48 hours to process. If more information is required to approve your application, a representative will contact you via email or telephone.
Do you know what internet providers offer service in your area?
Enter your information below to find the provider in your area that best meets your needs.
Low-cost options from Astound Broadband
| Package | Price | Speed | Type | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Mbps Internet | $9.95/mo.* | 50Mbps | Cable | ViewPlans for Astound Broadband |
| 150 Mbps Internet | $19.95/mo.* | Up to 150Mbps | Cable | ViewPlans for Astound Broadband |
Data as of 4/15/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See disclaimer.
According to the disclaimer, Internet First plans are only offered to Astound’s cable internet customers. Qualifying new customers get free internet service for the first three months, whereas former Astound customers do not.
With Internet First, there are:
- No contracts
- No credit checks
- No installation fees
- No equipment fees
However, you must reapply annually to keep the discounted pricing. If you don’t qualify, standard rates will apply.
Lastly, Astound’s internet plans of 300Mbps or faster do not qualify for the Internet First program. If you need more speed than 150Mbps, you can upgrade anytime and enjoy Astound’s low promotional pricing for 12 or more months, depending on your chosen plan.
Other providers with low-income programs
Other options may be available if you don’t qualify for the Internet First program and the base 300Mbps plan’s standard rate is too expensive for the long term. Here are some other internet providers with similar programs and internet plans:
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- Frontier
- CenturyLink
Additional resources
- Government Programs To Make Internet Service More Affordable
- How To Get Free and Low-Cost Internet
- Best Internet Deals
- Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Seniors
- Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Students
- Best Internet for Veterans and Military Families
- Rural Internet Providers
- The End of the ACP
Astound Internet First FAQ
Does Astound offer low-cost internet to seniors?
Yes, Astound Broadband provides low-cost internet for seniors through the Internet First program. Be sure to supply the required documents when you apply.
Does Astound offer low-cost internet to low-income families?
Yes, Astound Broadband provides low-cost internet for low-income families through the Internet First program. When you apply, be sure to supply the required documents.
Does Internet First pricing include Wi-Fi?
Yes, Wi-Fi is included along with the cable modem.
Are there activation and installation fees?
No, the Internet First program waives both fees.
How long does it take to get internet service?
Once you’re approved for the Internet First program, a technician will come out within five to seven business days.
Will my price go up after 12 months?
What you pay in the 13th month depends on whether you still qualify for the Internet First program. You must reapply each year to keep the discounted pricing, so if your application is denied, your plan’s pricing reverts to the higher standard rate (which depends on where you live).
What are the other alternatives to the ACP?
The government’s Lifeline program is the only alternative to the ACP. However, the benefit is much smaller: up to $9.25 per month for low-income families or up to $34.25 for subscribers on Tribal lands.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- Tribal Programs for Native Americans
Be sure to read the full qualifications on the USCA Lifeline Support page.
How do you apply for the Lifeline program?
Use the government’s online application or download the PDF and mail it to the address listed on the first page.
Lifeline Program Administrators validate your eligibility through the information on your application and electronic databases. However, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your annual income. You can add the documentation when you submit your application or wait for a Lifeline Program Administrator to contact you.
Here are some examples of the forms you may need if you use Federal and Tribal Assistance Programs:
- SNAP: Upload a digital copy of your SNAP card and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the card.
- SSI: Upload a digital copy of your original SSI benefits award letter or a current benefits verification letter with the recipient’s name on it.
Disclaimers
* Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. See astound.com/yourspeed for why speeds may vary. To view Astound’s FCC Network Management Disclosure see astound.com/policies-disclaimers. Modem required for Internet service. No contract required. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. Internet First Program available to qualifying households as outlined in the terms and conditions. Offer limited to 50 Mbps or 150 Mbps Internet service, standard modem, Wi-Fi only and free standard installation only. Where 150Mbps is not available, 100Mbps will be offered. Whole Home WiFi available for $5/mo. for 12 mos. and includes up to 2 eero devices. Regular rates apply thereafter. Minimum Internet speed of 100 Mbps is required for Astound TV service. Offer available to residential subscribers who meet specific eligibility criteria. Taxes extra. Pricing is subject to change. 3 free months applies to months 1-3 of service. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. If a customer is determined to be no longer eligible for the Internet First program, regular rates will apply. Subject to Internet First Program terms and conditions. Visit internetfirst.com for full program details and terms and conditions. Any additional services, equipment, premium channels & other tiers of service are subject to an additional charge, regular increases and a credit check. ‡Astound Internet is powered by fiber and connected to the premises via coaxial connection. ©2024 Astound Broadband. All rights reserved.
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Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
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