The internet drives almost everything we do nowadays, from staying connected to family and friends to running a business. It’s nearly impossible to get by without it in modern society, making it a necessary bill for most individuals and families to budget for.
But, like other services that are continuously rising in cost, you might notice your internet bill creeping up each year. And, since many internet providers offer cheap internet services when you first sign up, it can come as a shock when you get your first non-discounted bill – sometimes for as much as double what you were paying.
Fortunately, a cheap internet plan is possible. You just need to know how to get cheaper internet using a few practical strategies.
How to Get Cheaper Internet
- Apply for the Lifeline Program
- Negotiate with Your Internet Provider
- Ask About Referral Programs
- Use a Mobile Hotspot
- Look into Bundles
- Use Your Own Equipment
- Work From Home? Ask Your Employer for Help
- Connect Your Internet Account with Rocket Money
The best internet providers offer reliable high-speed internet services, but those services can be costly, sometimes even taking a big chunk of the monthly budget for low-income households. Knowing how to get cheaper internet using the following tips can easily help you save on this necessary bill each month.
1. Apply for the Lifeline Program
You may have heard of or even been enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a government-funded program giving eligible internet subscribers up to $30 a month toward their internet bill or $75 for those living on Tribal Lands. This money could go toward your plan with any participating provider, like Spectrum Internet Assist or Verizon Fios. Unfortunately, the funds for the ACP are due to run out in April 2024, leaving those who relied on more affordable internet now paying a higher bill.
But, if you qualified for ACP, you might also qualify for another government-backed internet program known as Lifeline. The program gives up to a $9.25 credit to your broadband provider bill each month or up to $34.25 if you live on Tribal Lands. So, if you already have a cheap internet service, you could pay next to nothing when you opt into the program. Also, keep in mind that if you qualify for Lifeline, you may also be eligible for other benefits like SNAP and housing assistance.
An eligible household for Lifeline must have income within the federal poverty guideline and recertify their eligibility each year. You can do this through your partnered internet service provider as long as your information can be verified in the connected database.
2. Negotiate with Your Internet Provider
Many internet providers, like Spectrum and Xfinity, have customer retention programs specifically designed to keep their customers from going with another company for a cheaper internet plan. While it can be frustrating to have to call your provider and haggle to get more affordable home internet, it could help you lower your internet bill.
Believe it or not, negotiating with your internet provider is entirely possible. Whether you have Spectrum, Xfinity, or Quantum Fiber, your provider wants to keep you as a customer. Usually, all it takes is a phone call saying you need cheaper service and may need to look elsewhere for the company to offer you a better deal than you’re currently getting.
You can also negotiate a plan that’s mutually beneficial for your internet service provider. For example, you might agree to enroll in auto-pay if the company agrees to lower your bill by $10 each month, for example.
3. Ask About Referral Programs
Your internet provider might have a rewards program for customers who refer their friends and family, allowing you to take money off your bill each month with regular referrals. Yours may not advertise the program on its website, but you can usually find out if one is available with a quick phone call or live chat.
4. Use a Mobile Hotspot
A mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is a portable device that lets you take your internet with you wherever you go. You pay for internet service to work through the device, usually through a cell phone company that allows the device to connect to its data network.
Although mobile hotspots may not be the best choice for households with numerous devices being used at one time, they can usually handle light to moderate data usage, with some higher-end ones allowing for more intense streaming.
With relatively low monthly payments, a mobile hotspot could be an affordable alternative to your typical internet bill.
5. Look Into Bundles
Does your internet provider offer TV or phone services? If so, it might be worth switching your services there, as many companies with these services give customers discounts when they bundle them. Say, for example, that your internet usually runs $60 a month and your phone bill is $100. If your provider has a deal for $120 a month for bundling both services, you’ll save $40 a month.
To always make sure you’re getting the best deal, shop around for TV, phone, and internet services once a year, as providers tend to update their deals frequently.
6. Use Your Own Equipment
Many broadband providers offer customers a reliable internet connection and fast download speed options by using company equipment — but it usually comes at a cost. Some providers charge an additional $5 or $10 a month for you to “rent” their router and modem to take advantage of their best internet speed packages.
What you might not know is that you can usually skirt these additional costs by using equipment you already have or buying new. Yes, it’s an initial investment, but you’ll get to keep your equipment even if you switch services, and you can avoid unnecessary costs each month.
7. Work From Home? Ask Your Employer for Help
Some employers pay for all or a portion of their employees’ internet if they use their personal internet for work purposes when working from home. Your employer might contract with a specific internet provider, meaning you may need to switch, but it could be worth it for free or reduced-price internet.
8. Connect Your Internet Account with Rocket Money
If you don’t want to spend time negotiating your internet bill with your provider, let Rocket Money do it instead.
Rocket Money is an app that you can connect your bank accounts with to help it find ways to save you money. The app scans your accounts to see where your bills come from, including which company provides you with internet access. Then, with your permission, Rocket Money can negotiate your bill to get you a price you’re more comfortable with. In some cases, Rocket Money users have gotten $30 or more off their bill each month.
The service does come with a fee, but you can choose how much you pay. It’s based on how much Rocket Money saves you for a year. For example, if the service saves you $10 a month ($120 a year), you can choose to pay between 30% and 60% of your savings or as little as $36. That works out to savings of $84 a year or $7 a month.
Compare Internet Providers for the Best Rates
Now that you know how to get cheaper internet, you should spend some time shopping around for the best rates. Remember that monthly price isn’t the most important factor. It’s also necessary to consider what you get for that price. For example, does the provider include equipment, free repairs and house calls, or higher speeds compared to other providers with the same pricing? If so, that provider offers you more value for your money.
A phone call is your friend when finding the best internet provider. Often, if you call a provider and explain the budget you want to stick to, a representative will work with you to find a plan or deal that aligns with that budget. Be sure to ask for all details while you’re on the phone, like data overage charges, autopay discounts, and contractual obligations, to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
