Find the best internet providers for seniors in your area

Customer service is often overlooked when comparing internet providers, but it can dramatically affect your experience. A fast connection doesn’t do you much good if it doesn’t work half the time and you can’t get anyone to fix it.

The best internet providers not only have convenient agents you can contact over the phone, but they also have online chat options, helpful articles, and responsive technicians to help you fix whatever issues you encounter. You can see how different providers ranked for customer service in our Annual Internet Service Provider Review.

Your internet connection isn’t any good to you if it’s always lagging or disconnecting. Certain types of internet are consistently reliable, while others can suffer from various types of interruption.

• Fiber: The fastest connection with the least chance of disconnections and slowdowns.
• Cable: Not as fast as fiber, but still pretty fast and easier to find.
• DSL: Relatively slow with a connection that worsens depending on how far you live from your provider’s nearest hub.
• Satellite: Slow and fickle. Weather can interfere with your signal.

The type of internet you can choose is highly dependent on where you live. Most areas have access to only a few of these types of networks. If you do have several different choices, we suggest going with fiber or cable to get the most reliable connection possible.

Unfortunately, internet providers often advertise low monthly prices but end up nickel-and-diming with equipment and installation fees, data overages, and other unexpected charges. We like providers with simple, transparent billing and no unpleasant surprises, such as price hikes, data caps, or restrictive contracts. Very few providers get perfect marks in all these categories, but Google Fiber is a good example of what we’d like to see from other providers.

There are several government programs that provide reduced-cost or free internet for seniors, including the FCC’s Lifeline program and ConnectHomeUSA. Low-income applicants and those enrolled in government programs like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid are also eligible for many of these reduced-cost or free internet programs.

AARP does not offer internet service, and most internet service providers do not have a standard discount for AARP members. However, speak to an agent over the phone if you can because they might be willing to throw in a senior discount if that’s a crucial factor in your decision.

Internet service can be one of the larger monthly bills in a household, so getting those costs down can make a big impact on budgets. Many younger people experiencing financial distress can benefit from government internet assistance programs. Those in school can also benefit from internet discounts for students.

Optimum, AT&T, and Comcast Xfinity all offer internet discounts for seniors who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Optimum also offers discounts to veterans receiving public assistance.