Philadelphia Internet Discounts 2026–27: Free Hotspots, Low-Cost Plans, and Lifeline
Home internet isn't optional anymore. You need it for job applications, benefit renewals, telehealth, and your kids' homework. If the monthly bill is out of reach, Philadelphia has several ways to get online for free or at a lower cost. There's a City program for families with school-age children, a federal phone and internet discount, low-cost plans from providers, and free help from Digital Navigators who will sort through the options with you.
This guide explains each option, who qualifies, and where to start.
Last checked October 2026. Prices and eligibility rules can change, so confirm with the provider or a Digital Navigator before you sign up.
Start Here: Call a Digital Navigator
If you only do one thing, contact a Digital Navigator. These are free helpers funded through the City's Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT). The City says they can help you:
Get free or low-cost internet
Get a free or low-cost device, as available
Get basic tech support and troubleshoot connection problems
Use online programs or apps
Find digital skills classes, adult education, or workforce programs
Any Philadelphia resident who needs digital support can contact one. Call 311 to schedule a one-on-one appointment, or contact a partner organization directly. You can leave a message and get a callback within one to two business days.
Beyond Literacy: Phone: (215) 474-1235; Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Esperanza: Phone: (215) 297-4641; Hours: Mon & Wed 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Tue & Thu 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
ExCITe Center at Drexel: Phone: (267) 217-3508 (call or text); Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
SEAMAAC: Phone: (215) 467-0690 (text in English or Spanish); Hours: See City page
The City says interpreters are available for most languages on helpline calls.
Families with Pre-K–12 Students: PHLConnectED
PHLConnectED is the City's program for households with a pre-K–12 student enrolled in a Philadelphia school. Today it mainly provides T-Mobile mobile hotspots for income-eligible families, along with Digital Navigator support.
Your household may qualify if:
You don't have, or can't get, wired internet at home, or you can only get online through a mobile phone
Your household is experiencing homelessness or is between housing
Your household participates in certain income-based public benefit programs
Your household includes a student who is an English learner or who receives special education services
How to apply: Dial 311 and ask for a Digital Navigator appointment about PHLConnectED.
Good to know: The School District of Philadelphia loans a Chromebook to every district K–12 student. If your child hasn't received one, contact the school office.
Lifeline: The Federal Phone and Internet Discount
Lifeline is a federal program, run by USAC with oversight from the FCC, that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.
Discount: up to $9.25 a month on phone, internet, or bundled service
Qualify by program: You can get Lifeline if you or someone in your household participates in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Project-Based Rental Assistance, public housing, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Qualify by income: Household income at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines
1 person: $21,546
2 people: $29,214
3 people: $36,882
4 people: $44,550
5 people: $52,218
How to apply: Apply at lifelinesupport.org or through a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline. For help with the application, call (800) 234-9473.
Keep it active: Every year, USAC checks that you still qualify. This is called recertification. If you're asked to recertify and miss the deadline, you'll lose the benefit. You can transfer your Lifeline benefit to a different company once a month.
Low-Cost Home Internet: Xfinity Internet Essentials
Comcast's Internet Essentials is a low-cost home plan for qualifying households where Xfinity service is available.
Price: $14.95 a month for up to 75 Mbps, or $29.95 a month for up to 100 Mbps
Also offered: low-cost computers, free Wi-Fi hotspots, and free internet training
You may qualify if:
You participate in programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, or SNAP, or your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
You haven't had Xfinity Internet in the last 90 days
You have no Comcast debt that is less than one year old
How to apply: Apply at internetessentials.com/apply, or call 1-844-389-4681.
Note: Internet Essentials is not free. During the pandemic, PHLConnectED paid for Internet Essentials for many school families, but that subsidy has ended. A Digital Navigator can check whether stacking Lifeline with a low-cost plan works for your provider.
Free Wi-Fi and Computers Around the City
If you can't get home internet right now, you can still get online for free.
Free Library of Philadelphia: All branches offer free Wi-Fi during open hours, using your library card. Branches also have public computers.
City Wi-Fi: Many parks, recreation centers, older adult centers, and museums have free City Wi-Fi. Select the "OCF Guest" network and accept the use policy. Use the City's Philly Free Wi-Fi Finder map for current locations.
Public computer centers: The City lists computer centers at recreation centers such as Cecil B. Moore, Francisville, Happy Hollow, Rumph, Christy, and Kingsessing, and at the Charles Library Community Computer Lab at Temple. Call ahead for hours.
Getting a Low-Cost Computer
The City partners with PCs for People to offer low-cost devices to residents who meet income guidelines. You can order online or visit the storefront at 2251 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19132, or call (215) 621-8118. The City's PHLDonateTech initiative also helps get computers to residents in need.
Which Option Fits You?
You have a school-age child and no home internet: Call 311 about PHLConnectED hotspots.
You get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or housing help: Apply for Lifeline, and compare low-cost plans like Internet Essentials.
You just need to get online today: Go to a Free Library branch or a City Wi-Fi location.
You don't know where to start: Call a Digital Navigator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free home internet in Philadelphia?
For pre-K–12 families who qualify, PHLConnectED provides free mobile hotspots. For other households, most options are discounts or low-cost plans rather than free service. Free Wi-Fi is available at all Free Library branches and many City facilities.
What happened to the $30 ACP discount?
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ran out of funding and ended on June 1, 2024. Lifeline, which is a separate program, still exists.
Can I get Lifeline and Internet Essentials at the same time?
Lifeline can be applied to internet service from participating companies. Ask Comcast, or a Digital Navigator, whether your plan accepts Lifeline.
I owe Comcast money. Can I still get Internet Essentials?
Comcast says you must have no outstanding debt on a Comcast account that is less than one year old.
Who do I call if I need help in another language?
Call 311 or one of the Digital Navigator partners. The City says interpreters are available for most languages.
This guide is general information. We are not affiliated with any internet provider.
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