Low Cost Home Internet Service For Residents

Affordable Connectivity Program
On 12/31/21, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the longer-term Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Use the interactive box below to learn more, determine your eligibility, and to apply.

Certain households may qualify for other low-cost internet service plans and discounts in Hawaii.  See below for information on program(s) offered.

Lifeline Program for Low-income Households

The FCC’s Lifeline program provides discounts on phone and broadband service from participating providers for qualifying low-income consumers. To be eligible, an applicant must:

  • have a household income level at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

OR

  • receive benefits from one of the following federal assistance programs:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Medicaid
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance
    • Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start
    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs

For more information and to apply for the Lifeline program, visit: https://www.lifelinesupport.org.

Information current as of 02/2022

Hawaiian Telcom Internet Kokua Program

  • Discounted High-Speed Basic service (up to 7 Mbps) for qualifying low-income residents of Hawaii in copper-served areas for $9.95/month
  • Discounted High-Speed Internet Ultimate service (up to 25 Mbps) for qualifying low-income residents of Hawaii in fiber-served areas for $12.95/month
  • Wireless Gateway Service Fee included in price
  • One-time Internet activation fee of $34.99 and taxes not included

Click here for more information and to apply.

Information current as of 06/2023

Spectrum Internet Assist Plan (for Qualified Households)

  • High-speed internet plan with no data caps
  • Internet modem and Security Suite included
  • No contract required
  • Add in-home WiFi for $5/month

“Qualified Households” include a household member who is a recipient under one of the following programs:

  • The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) for free or reduced cost lunch
  • The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
  • Supplemental Security Income (≥ age 65 only)

Click here for more information and to apply.

Information current as of 06/2023