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Black Belt Broadband Toolkit · Page 9

Can you afford not to have it?

Internet service adds a monthly bill. Compare the full price with the ways a reliable connection could help your household, then ask about every discount before signing up.

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Know the full cost before you choose a plan

Monthly price

Ask for the regular price after any introductory offer. Check taxes, equipment rental, data limits and whether the price can change.

Getting connected

Ask about installation, equipment, deposits and any contract or cancellation fee. Get the total first month’s cost in writing.

What you will use

Think about telehealth, schoolwork, job applications, business sales and travel to public Wi-Fi. The value will differ by household.

The provider’s Broadband Consumer Label summarizes price, fees, speed and other plan terms. Ask to see the label for each plan you are considering.

Ask for the BEAD low-cost option

Providers using BEAD funds must offer an approved low-cost service option to eligible subscribers for the program’s required period. The price and eligibility details can vary by provider. Ask the provider serving your address what its plan costs, who qualifies and how to enroll.

Questions to ask: “Do you have a BEAD low-cost plan at my address? What will my total monthly bill be? Are installation and equipment included? Can I use Lifeline with this plan?”

Check Lifeline eligibility

Lifeline may reduce an eligible household’s internet or bundled service bill by up to $9.25 a month. Income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participation in programs such as SNAP or Medicaid may qualify. The benefit is generally limited to one per household and must be used with a participating company.

Check and apply for Lifeline ↗
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Make a household comparison

  1. Write down the total monthly cost of the plans available at your address.
  2. Subtract any discount for which your household qualifies.
  3. List trips, fees or time you might realistically save each month. Include new opportunities that matter to you, without assuming they will pay for the service.
  4. Choose a plan you can keep paying for after any promotional period ends.

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024. Sites promising new ACP enrollment are outdated or misleading.

Sources and further reading