The state of Michigan is located in the upper Midwestern region of the United States, near the Great Lakes. Huron, Erie, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and the Canadian state of Ontario are its neighbors. With around 10.12 million residents and an area of almost 97,000 square miles (250,000 km2), Michigan is the largest state east of the Mississippi River in terms of both population and area. Detroit is its largest city, and Lansing serves as its capital. In a short while, you will discover how to obtain free internet for low-income Michigan.
Despite the fact that many individuals in the state cannot afford it, the internet is vital to modern civilization. First, it gives people access to jobs, healthcare, education, and other necessities. According to 2022 research by the Michigan League for Public Policy, about 31% of Michigan homes want a reasonably priced, dependable, and adequate high-speed internet connection. In rural areas, where 40% of families lack access to broadband internet, this percentage is higher.
The Internet has also facilitated communication. It enables you to establish connections with individuals worldwide. In the past, writing a letter or sending a telegram was the only way to get in touch with someone who lived far away. Days or even weeks may pass before it arrives. You can now send an instant message or email, and it will be delivered practically immediately.
How to get Free Internet for Low-income Michigan
In Michigan, low-income households can obtain free internet in a few different methods. Here are some possibilities.
1. The Lifeline Program of the Federal Communications Commission
Qualifying low-income households can receive subsidized or free internet service through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline Program. Since 1985, Lifeline has been an established program that offers low-income consumers reasonably priced communications services.
To qualify for Lifeline, your gross household income must be 135% of the federal poverty threshold or less. Additionally, you may be eligible if you participate in certain government assistance programs, such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (food stamps), or Medicaid. You can get a monthly internet subscription savings of up to $9.25 if you qualify for Lifeline. Any participating internet provider’s plans can be signed up for with this discount.
Visit the FCC Lifeline website or give 1-800-234-9355 a call to find out if you qualify for Lifeline and enroll in the program.
READ MORE: Get Free Internet For SNAP Recipients | Apply Now
2. The Department of Human Services in Michigan (MDHS)
Food assistance, cash assistance, child care, medical assistance, home weatherization, utility assistance, burial services, child support, foster care, adoption, abuse, neglect, and more are all provided to Michigan residents by the state-run Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS).
Additionally, MDHS provides MIConnect, a low-cost internet program. To be eligible for MIConnect, you must fulfill specific residency and income requirements.
- MIConnect applications can be submitted online or over the phone at 1-800-642-7886.
- You can apply for MIConnect by following these steps:
- Contact MIConnect by phone at 1-800-642-7886 or online.
- Make an account or enter your contact details.
- Respond to inquiries on your eligibility and household income.
- Choose an internet provider that is participating.
- Send in your application.
If your submission is accepted, you will receive a MIConnect discount on your internet service. Your eligibility for MIConnect must be renewed annually.
READ MORE: Qualify For Free Internet For Seniors In Florida
3. Neighborhood associations
In Michigan, a large number of neighborhood organizations provide low-income citizens with free or inexpensive internet access. Here are a few instances:
The Woodward Community Coalition of the North End (NEWCC): Residents of Detroit’s New Center neighborhood, Highland Park, and Hamtramck can access free internet connection from the nonprofit NEWCC.
The United Way of Washtenaw County: Under its “Access to Technology” initiative, the United Way of Washtenaw County offers low-income households free or inexpensive internet connection.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan: Through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s “Internet Essentials” program, low-income homes in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can receive free internet service.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army offers free internet connectivity as part of a number of programs to help low-income people and families.
The YMCA: The YMCA offers free internet access as one of its many programs to help low-income individuals and families.
4. Free public Wi-Fi:
This is available in various locations, including coffee shops, libraries, community centers, and schools. You can also search online for a list of free public Wi-Fi hotspots in your neighborhood.
In Michigan, you can find free public Wi-Fi in the following locations:
Libraries: Free public Wi-Fi is available in the majority of Michigan libraries. A list of local libraries can be found on the Michigan Library Association website.
Schools: Free public Wi-Fi is available at many Michigan schools. The Michigan Department of Education’s website has a list of local schools.
Community centers: Free public Wi-Fi is available at a lot of Michigan community centers. The Michigan Department of Community Health website has a list of community centers in your area.
Coffee businesses: Free public Wi-Fi is available at many Michigan coffee shops. A list of local coffee shops can be found online.
Restaurants: Free public Wi-Fi is available at a few Michigan eateries. You can also find a list of local eateries by browsing online.
Retail establishments: Free public Wi-Fi is available at certain Michigan retail establishments. You can also locate a variety of retail establishments in your neighborhood by searching online.
Airports: Free public Wi-Fi is available at all Michigan airports.
Train stations: Free public Wi-Fi is available at the majority of Michigan’s train stations.
Bus stops: Free public Wi-Fi is available at the majority of Michigan bus stops.
Free public Wi-Fi might occasionally be unstable or unsafe. When utilizing it, it is imperative to exercise caution and refrain from sending private information like credit card numbers or passcodes.
Low-Cost Provider Programs
Below is a list of programs offered by internet service providers in Michigan. These are subject to change by the provider. This is not an exhaustive list of low-cost programs and MIHI does not endorse any provider or program.
| Provider | Program Name | Cost and Features | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Access from AT&T | $30/month or less based on the maximum speed available at your address up to 100Mbps | Households that participate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for California residents only, National School Lunch or with a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. | Apply for AT&T online |
| Spectrum | Spectrum Internet Assist | $15/monthUp to 50 Mbps InternetFree modem & option for in-home Wi-Fi at $5/monthFree unlimited access to nationwide out-of-home Wi-Fi access pointsNo data caps or extra fees | Households with families on The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced cost lunchSeniors 65 years or older and eligible for or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP | Apply for Spectrum online |
| Comcast | Internet Essentials | $9.95/monthStarting at 50 Mbps | Households with at least one child on The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced cost lunchHouseholds that receive housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and others, or were enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Xfinity | Apply for Comcast online |
| PCs for People | PCs for People | $15.00/month50 MbpsMobile Hotspot | Must be currently participating in a government-based assistance program or have a qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines or 60% of area median income) | Apply for PCs for People online |
| Surf Internet | Surf 50 | $25/month50 MbpsFree Modem | Available to all households in Surf Internet service areas. This monthly price is not an introductory rate and does not require a yearly contract. | Apply for Surf Internet online |
Final Word
In Michigan, low-income households can obtain free internet in a few different methods. You can apply for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline Program, which offers eligible households free or heavily subsidized internet service. Additionally, you can apply for the MIConnect program, which is run by the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS) and provides qualifying households with an inexpensive internet connection. Additionally, inquire about free or inexpensive internet access from local community organizations.
