How To Get Low-Income Internet through WOW!

Subsidies from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are ending, but WOW! customers who were enrolled can now get plans with decent speeds for as low as $30 per month.

If you’re in an area where WOW! sells fiber internet, the $30 plan comes with speeds up to 100Mbps. That’s fast enough to browse, stream, and game on one or two devices at once.

We’ll cover what will happen for WOW! customers who were part of the ACP and walk you through enrollment in a simplified pricing plan from WOW! Then, we’ll cover alternatives to the ACP and discuss low-income options from WOW! competitors.

What is the simplified pricing program?

WOW! offers simplified pricing on all its internet plans, meaning all customers get Wi-Fi gear rental at no extra cost. There are no contracts or data overage fees to worry about either, and you can get out of extra charges by enrolling in paperless billing and autopay.

None of the simplified pricing plans require income qualification or proof of financial hardship.

WOW! fees

If you haven’t already had WOW! service, you will have to choose between the following startup fees when you sign up:

• Professional installation: $99
• Self-installation activation: $10

Watch out for an unusual $5 monthly fee called the WOW! Price Lock Promise, which locks in your price for as long as you’re a customer. It may be worth it in the long run, but we wish WOW! just kept its prices low for everyone. The good news is you have to opt in during checkout or you won’t be charged.

Affordable internet plans from WOW!

WOW! offers fiber internet plans, but what you can sign up for depends on where you live. We are big fans of the $30 monthly plan in fiber areas. The Fiber 500 plan is also a good deal, and offers plenty of speed for high-tech homes.

What happens when the ACP ends?

WOW! stopped participating in the ACP in April of 2024, so customers who were enrolled in the program were required to either pay full price for their plans starting in May or lose their WOW! access.

If your internet was shut off, call WOW! at +1-866-496-966 to discuss your options with a representative.

“As always, WOW! will help customers identify the best plan for their needs and budgets,” says Debra Havins, vice president of Corporate Communications for WOW!

Alternatives to the ACP

The Lifeline program is the best way to get subsidized internet after the ACP goes away. It offers $9.25 per month toward either internet or phone service (or more on Tribal lands) for households in need. To sign up, apply through the Universal Services Administrative Co., which manages the program for the FCC.

To qualify, you’ll need to prove eligibility for one of the following:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Medicaid
• Tribal Programs for Native Americans

Once you’re approved, search for participating providers in your zip code and look for WOW! on the list of results.

Get local help at the library

If you don’t qualify for Lifeline, you may qualify for public assistance from state or local programs. You can search for options online (look for a “.gov” URL) or head to your local library for help.

In addition to having Wi-Fi and computers you can use for free, you may be able to check out a mobile hotspot for temporary access. Librarians will also be aware of local aid programs and will be happy to help you apply.

Other providers with low-income programs

The $30 monthly plans are a good deal, but it may be possible to find cheaper service in your area. Your options will depend on your specific address, but here’s a list of WOW! competitors that offer either budget pricing or subsidized internet for needy folks.

• AT&T Access
• Xfinity NOW
• Spectrum Internet Assist

Additional resources

We applaud lawmakers for enacting the ACP and thank the taxpayers who funded it, because we believe affordable internet access is vital in today’s world. Regardless of what Congress decides about letting the subsidy expire, we are committed to helping families everywhere access great internet at a great price.

Whether you’re just starting your search for an internet provider or hoping to switch to a better plan, we encourage you to browse the following articles from our expert resource library.

• 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