If you live in NYC, you can obtain free internet. Just so you know, NYC stands for New York City. With more than 8 million residents, it is the most populated city in the US. Additionally, it is the biggest American metropolis with the densest population. NYC is situated at the mouth of the Hudson River at the southernmost point of New York State. People in the city who cannot afford the Free Internet NYC to access it for their everyday needs.
We all recognize the value of the Internet, which necessitates that everyone have access to a steady and dependable connection. To begin with, the Internet makes communication easier. It enables us to maintain contact with distant friends and family. Additionally, it allows us to communicate with people worldwide. Second, there is a wealth of knowledge available on the Internet. Anything from the most recent news to how to fix a leaking faucet may be researched with it.
Additionally, since it allows you to learn new things, the Internet is essential to modern education. We have access to libraries of books and papers, as well as a plethora of online tutorials and courses. Most importantly, having an internet connection enables you to work online at tasks like data input, social media management, article typing, and many more. All you need is a suitable device to get started.
READ MORE: Best Internet Providers No Credit Check or Deposit
How low-income people in NYC can receive free Internet
If you live in New York and fulfill certain qualifications, you can obtain a free internet connection in a number of ways. These consist of the following.
The Lifeline Program
A federal program called the Lifeline offers low-income households discounts on internet service. A monthly internet bill savings of up to $9.2 is available to qualifying households. Additionally, the program offers a one-time $ 32.50 discount when purchasing a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer from participating providers.
Being eligible for Lifeline
To be eligible for the LIFELINE Program, you must meet two requirements. These consist of the following.
Income-based eligibility: The maximum monthly discount of $30 is available to households with incomes of 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Level. A $15 monthly rebate is available to households with incomes between 135% of the federal poverty level.
| Household size | Maximum yearly income |
| 1 | $21,128 |
| 2 | $28,553 |
| 3 | $35,978 |
| 4 | $43,403 |
| 5 | $50,828 |
| 6 | $58,253 |
| 7 | $65,678 |
| 8 | $73,103 |
| For each additional person: | +$7,425 |
Participation in qualifying programs: This is also available to households that are enrolled in one of the following programs.
- The National School Lunch Program
- Supplemental Nutrition Support Program
- Program for Free and Reduced School Lunches
- Temporary Support for Families in Need
- Pell Grant General Assistance Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Food Distribution Program for Tribal TANF on Indian Reservations
- Making a lifeline application
The next step after learning if you are eligible for the program is to apply for a free internet plan through Lifeline. You can apply for the program in three different ways. Take a peek.
Apply online.
Fill out the application online.
After being granted Lifeline, sign up in-person, online, or over the phone with a participating phone or internet provider.
Apply via mail.
Fill out an application in either Spanish or English. Send in your application together with supporting documentation.
After being granted Lifeline, sign up in-person, online, or over the phone with a participating phone or internet provider.
Apply over the phone.
Find out if your internet or phone provider offers Lifeline, or get in touch with a local provider.
READ MORE: The Best Cable One Internet Plans In 2025
Documents needed for lifeline application online
To demonstrate your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you might be required to provide a few papers. Depending on how you apply for the program, these documents may differ, but some common ones are as follows.
- A recent pay stub, tax return, or other document proving your income could serve as proof of income.
- Evidence of participation in government support programs: If you take part in a government assistance program, you might be required to submit paperwork attesting to your involvement. This might be a copy of your benefits card, a letter from your program administrator, or other supporting paperwork.
- Tribal ID card: You could be required to present your Tribal ID card if you belong to a federally recognized tribe.
- You must include these documents with your online application if you’re applying for the lifeine. The documents must be mailed to the Lifeline mail address if you are applying by phone or mail.
Other options for low-income people in New York to receive free Internet
You can obtain free Internet in ways other than ACP. These consist of the following.
Big Apple Connect: This initiative offers qualified NYC residents free Internet access. Free internet connections with download rates of up to 300 Mbps are available to eligible residents. You can contact your cable provider to apply for Big Apple Connect.
Free hotspots for WiFi: NYC has a large number of free WiFi hotspots. Usually, public spaces like parks, libraries, and government buildings are home to these hotspots. The NYC Wireless website has a list of free WiFi hotspots in the NYC Housing Authority.
FAQs: Free / Low-Cost Internet After ACP (NYC / NY State)
Q1. I heard ACP ended. Is it true?
Yes. The ACP is no longer active. Starting June 1, 2024, households ceased receiving ACP discounts.
The program also stopped accepting new enrollments as of February 7, 2024.
Q2. What should ACP-enrolled households do now?
- Review notices from your internet provider or from USAC about how your bill or service may change.
- Contact your ISP to see whether they offer any low-income or discounted plans under new state or local laws.
- Explore local programs in NYC (like Big Apple Connect or Liberty Link) if you live in qualifying housing.
Q3. What new or alternative programs exist now for low-income New Yorkers?
- New York’s Affordable Broadband Act (ABA): ISPs with more than 20,000 customers must offer plans at $15/month for at least 25 Mbps, or $20/month for 200 Mbps, to eligible low-income households.
- Big Apple Connect (NYC): For residents in certain NYCHA developments, free internet (up to 300 Mbps), router, modem, and basic cable are provided.
- Liberty Link (NYC): A pilot aiming to connect ~2,200 households in affordable housing buildings in the Bronx & Upper Manhattan with free or low-cost Wi-Fi/fiber.
- Affordable Housing Connectivity Program (state): Infrastructure grants to expand broadband to low-income households; has commitments for $10/month service in many units.
- Low-cost ISP offers / “discounted plans”: Many internet providers (in NY State) are now offering plans under the affordability mandates for eligible customers.
- School / Student-specific programs: For NYC public school families, T-Mobile’s Project 10Million gives eligible families a free hotspot with data for years.
Q4. Who is eligible under the new state law (Affordable Broadband Act)?
Eligibility typically mirrors the criteria used by low-income benefit programs. Households already receiving programs like SNAP, Medicaid, free/reduced school lunch, or other public assistance are likely eligible.
Q5. Will the $15 / $20 plans cover all of NYC?
All major ISPs in New York State that meet the size threshold (20,000+ customers) must comply. In NYC, many large providers are part of that set. However, whether your address is served by a provider willing to offer the plan depends on your local ISP infrastructure.
Q6. Does Big Apple Connect or Liberty Link cover all neighborhoods?
No — these are targeted programs.
- Big Apple Connect is limited to NYCHA developments.
- Liberty Link is a pilot for select affordable housing buildings in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.
If your building or neighborhood is not included, you would need to look into ISP discount plans or the state’s ABA plans.
Q7. Are there places I can access free Wi-Fi outside my home?
Yes. Common public/free internet access includes:
- Public libraries (e.g. New York Public Library)
- LinkNYC kiosks around the city
- Community centers and digital inclusion “hotspots”
- Some local pilot networks (NYC Mesh is a community wireless network)
Q8. What documents do I need to prove eligibility now?
Typical documentation includes:
- Proof of participation in a public assistance program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
- Proof of residency (NY address)
- Possibly income or benefit statements or awards
- But providers or programs will provide specific requirements per their application process.
Q9. What if my ISP does not offer any discounted plan?
You can:
- Shop around for an ISP that does comply with the state law and covers your address.
- Ask your local government, council member, or housing authority about expanding free/discounted access programs.
- Explore community networks or municipal broadband initiatives.
- Use public Wi-Fi or hotspots where feasible.
Q10. Will the ISP discount plans (under ABA) increase over time?
The New York law caps increases — price adjustments are limited.
Bottom line
Low-income folks in NYC can access free Internet in a few different ways. You can qualify for the Lifeline Program, which offers low-income households internet access reductions. Additionally, you can apply for Big Apple Connect, which offers free Internet to NYC Housing Authority residents. In addition, the city has a large number of free WiFi hotspots. The NYC Wireless website has a list of free WiFi hotspots throughout New York City.
