How To Get Low-Income Internet through Frontier

For many households, the discount provided through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was vital in keeping their internet, phone service, or bundled services affordable. But now that funding for the program has ceased and the benefits have stopped, many households are left scrambling to find cheaper internet.

Some internet providers offer programs tailored to low-income households, while others simply offer a low-cost plan. Frontier is one of the latter. We’ll explain what Frontier offers and how you can apply for Lifeline to help reduce your monthly internet bill.

First, here’s what happened at Frontier when the ACP ended

Starting in January 2024, Frontier customers enrolled in the ACP received notices about the program’s end in April. The third and final notice, along with the last full benefit, was included with their April bill. Customers were given the opportunity to change or discontinue their service.

In May, Frontier customers did not receive any benefits from the ACP, and those who opted not to stay with Frontier did not have service.

To counter the ACP’s end, Frontier suggests switching to its Fiber 200 Internet plan, which is very affordable. However, we recommend looking into other free and low-cost options before you switch or sign up, as you may find something more affordable for the long term (but you probably won’t).

What is Frontier Fiber 200 Internet?

Frontier doesn’t have a program for low-income households to get low-cost internet. Instead, Frontier offers its Fiber 200 Internet plan at $29.99 per month for 12 months (with Auto Pay)—$39.99 per month after that.

However, customers can receive a discount through the Lifeline program if they have a qualifying member in the home. Lifeline provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month for low-income families or up to $34.25 for subscribers on Tribal lands.

Who qualifies for the Fiber 200 Internet plan?

Anyone can get Frontier’s Fiber 200 Internet service—no credit check is required! Click or tap the button below to see if Frontier is available to you.

Who qualifies for the Lifeline program?

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 for Lifeline, 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) (formerly known as Food Stamps)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• 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?

There are two ways to apply for the Lifeline program:

• Use the PDF application provided through Frontier
• Use the government’s online application or download the PDF and mail it

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.

Low-cost options from Frontier

Frontier offers fiber internet with speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 5,000Mbps, but the company specifically recommends the Fiber 200 Internet plan for customers looking for low-cost internet.

The key takeaway about Frontier’s prices is that they’re introductory. After the first year, standard rates apply, costing you $10 more per month. Honestly, that’s still super cheap compared to other internet providers like Spectrum and Astound Broadband, which have higher standard rates.

The table above lists Frontier’s two cheapest fiber internet plans. Introductory prices start at $69.99 per month and are higher for 1,000Mbps and faster.

Other providers with low-income programs

If Frontier’s Fiber 200 Internet plan is too expensive after 12 months, other options may be available. Here are a few internet providers with similar programs:

• AT&T Access
• Spectrum Internet Assist
• 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

FAQ about Frontier’s low-income internet

Disclaimers