BuyTVInternetPhone makes looking for available internet choices in your area hassle-free. We pick the most trusted ISPs in the U.S. to build our resourceful library. And our team is capable of providing expert input on how you can balance your needs and available choices.
Search for affordable internet with our ZIP tool. And, you get to see the entire variety of cheap home internet options at your address. But, rest assured. Whichever inexpensive internet service you decide to go for will deliver quality and earn your confidence. Because, we carefully look into a number of factors before we present these options to you.
Our picks give you a variety of ISPs. They cover large parts of the U.S. territories with their network infrastructure. They offer variation in internet connection types. Their networks are able to support different speed levels to match different consumer needs. And, you can rely on their customer support during the life of your subscription.
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The Cheapest Home Internet Plan | ||
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Cheap Internet with Low-Cost Installation | Cheap Internet with Contract Buy-out Offer | |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Internet Plans |
The thing about the ISP industry in the U.S. is that it has large swaths of land to cover. Much more than the European countries. About a century ago, copper phone lines started getting deployed around the country. And, over time the infrastructure came to span right across all states. Which is why today DSL internet is commonly accessible to urban, suburban and rural America. Similarly, since the advent of cable TV, a great number of regions came to have well spread out coaxial cable networks. Which is why the coaxial cable infrastructure is also pretty far-reaching.
These pre-existing copper and coaxial infrastructures have slowed down the growth of new-gen fiber optic internet. Which is the fastest and the best connection available in the market. But, comes with a costly infrastructure deployment. And, is usually expensive for the consumer after the promo period ends.
So, whey you look for cheap internet options in your area, be prepared to find a lot of DSL and cable broadband options, with fewer fiber optic ones. Here, have a look at the cheapest options from providers nationwide.
Provider | Connection Type | The Most Covered States | The Cheapest High-speed Internet Plan |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T | DSL & Fiber | California, Texas, and Florida |
100 Mbps (Fiber) at $35/mo.
for 12 months |
Cox Communications | Cable | California, Arizona, and Virginia |
50 Mbps at $39.99/mo.
for 12 months |
Optimum by Altice | Cable | New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania |
300 Mbps at $39.99/mo.
for 12 months |
Suddenlink by Altice | Cable | Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana |
100 Mbps at $34.99/mo.
for 12 months |
Mediacom Cable | Cable | Iowa, Illinois and Georgia |
100 Mbps at $49.99/mo.
for 12 months |
Charter Spectrum™ | Cable | California, Texas, and New York |
60-200 Mbps at $49.99/mo.
for 12 months |
Xfinity from Comcast | Cable | California, Florida, and Illinois |
25 Mbps at $19.99/mo.
for 12 months |
Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless | Texas, Illinois, and Colorado | 25 Mbps at $34.95/month |
Windstream Kinetic | DSL & Fiber | Georgia, Texas, and Kentucky |
200 Mbps (DSL) at $37/mo.
for 12 months |
CenturyLink | DSL & Fiber | Arizona, Washington, Colorado |
15-100 Mbps (DSL) at $49/mo.
Price for Life |
RCN | Cable | New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania |
100 Mbps at $29.99/mo.
for 12 months |
Grande Communications | Cable | Texas | 300 Mbps at $35.99 |
Wave Broadband | Cable | California, Oregon, and Washington |
100 Mbps at $39.95/mo.
for 12 months |
WOW! | Cable | Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois |
200 Mbps at $39.99/mo.
for 12 months |
TDS Telecom | DSL & Fiber | Wisconsin, Michigan, and Tennessee |
300 Mbps (Fiber) at $49.95/mo.
for 24 months |
MetroNet | Fiber | Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky |
200 Mbps at $49.95/mo.
for 12 months |
Finding the right internet service provider that delivers affordable internet is tricky, but not “mission impossible".
When looking for the cheapest internet service, you are bound to face some roadblocks. For instance, there may be an internet provider that promises to deliver high speeds in your area, but its plans are not affordable. Or there may be an ISP that vows to make offers with cheap price tags. But, its speed tiers do not fit your needs. This situation can often turn into a never-ending loop. In order to find cheap home internet which brings you an all-round satisfied customer experience, here are a few factors that you can take into consideration at your end.
Assess your everyday internet consumption pattern. And, decide on which range of download speed would fit your activities. Don’t lowball your speed requirement. That way you’d settle for a download speed that is insufficient. Similarly, don’t highball your usage either. That way you’d subscribe to a plan which leaves you with unused data and speed that you rarely make full use of.
If you are constantly going back and forth in your mind between the two extremes, we’d recommend stay in between. Choose an internet plan that gives you enough speed and data to take care of your digital needs—no more and no less.
Many ISPs offer discounts and promotions around the year. And, this is where BuyTVInternetPhone steps in to help.
After comparing options and choosing a potential internet service provider, dedicate a little time to speaking to a professional customer service representative at 1-855-349-9328. And, see if they can pull up any promo offers available at your address at the time. Or apply another available discount to your subscription. You never know it may be the right time to get a waiver on the installation fee. And, remember, at times ordering online also gets you bargain deals, not otherwise available. So don’t forget to check on that.
Shortlist the top ISPs serving your area. That is important so you don’t invest time looking into offers which are not even available to you. Once you have a listing, compare the cheaper internet plans which each provider in your area offers. Take time to know things like download & upload speeds, and data allowance if capped.
And, remember the price tag you see is often the promotional price available to new customers. Once the promo period ends, price often sees a hike. Plus, different providers have a different amount that they charge as internet equipment rental. Often in-home Wi-Fi comes included. But, at times you must pay a small fee every month for that too. Then there is the upfront installation cost. Which can be pretty hefty. Last but not least, the dreaded Early Termination Fee. While there are ISPs in the market who offer a no-contract option, many make you sign a 1 or 2 year contract. True, that can get you a discount on the monthly service charge. But, if for any reason you must discontinue the service early, the ETF is a real spoiler.
This step requires time, effort, and careful evaluation of all costs, so don’t haste.
Equipment rental can cost you a significant amount at the end of the year. So we’d advise you to make sure you know what you’d be getting into. Again, a quick comparison of the rental fee that you’ll pay every month versus upfront cost to purchase your modem-router can help decide.
Most ISPs let you BYOD. So, you can also consider the option of buying your own equipment that is compatible with your provider’s service plan. The only drawback is that quite a few ISPs don’t extend tech support to third-party equipment. So, if you are not tech savvy, this may not be the right option for you. ISPs often let you purchase equipment from them too. This way you pay a one-time cost and remain eligible for tech support through the length of your subscription with the provider.
Are you anxious that you may have to switch providers and the device(s) would go waste? Well, keep in mind most modem-router combo devices used these days by cable and DSL internet services are not specific to a provider. Rather the kind of connection and speed plan you are subscribed to. A one-time payment can save you a good amount of money over time. Rather than squeezing your budget every month. But that is, if you can handle the tech side of it.
If options you’ve explored are still out-of-budget for you, there’s one more thing you can do. Many renowned ISPs including AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom and Xfinity offer low-cost Internet Assist Programs in collaboration with the FCC. You can get connected at subsidized rates if you qualify. Enrollment in such programs is dependent on pre-defined criteria. But, if you are eligible, you can get up to 30 Mbps fast internet for under $15 every month.
Under the Federal Communications Commission Lifeline Assistance Program many ISPs offer cheap high-speed internet plans to low-income households with K-12 or college students, as well as senior citizens aged 65 or above if they are eligible for federal or state assistance.
Well, the reasons we chose Spectrum’s Internet Standard plan as the best among all plans that bring you the cheapest internet service are:
If you are located in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey or Pennsylvania, internet users in other regions may envy you. Because, Optimum by Altice brings cheap high-speed internet plans to your neighborhood. Optimum uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. And, is able to deliver ultra fast internet with great reliability. The best part is crazy fast speeds from Optimum are available at pocket-friendly prices. And, you get plenty of bandwidth too. So, everyone at home can connect.
Here take a look at Optimum internet service features that make it a value-packed choice.
DSL broadband is the largely available type of internet in the US. And, it now allows subscribers to access high-speed internet using their landlines. You can also have a Naked DSL connection without a phone service, but not many opt for that. Unlike dial-ups, DSL connections don’t cause interference in the phone lines. Among nearly 900 DSL providers in the U.S., CenturyLink stands 3rd by coverage area. And, is available in rural America too.
Depending on your location, you can get speeds starting from 15 Mbps. In some areas where the fiber lines are extended close to your vicinity, data travels less distance over copper lines. So you can get up to 100 Mbps fast internet.
A fiber optic connection is hands down the fastest internet in the market. Compared to DSL and cable internet. Fiber internet offers many times faster download speeds. And, the best part is a pure fiber optic connection gives you symmetrical speed. Meaning you are not stuck with low upstream speeds as with DSL or cable broadband. You can download and upload at the same speed.
For gaming, 4K video streaming and multi-device usage Fiber internet is an ideal contender. You get bandwidth enough to run a home-based business if you want. Fiber optic internet happens over fiber lines that use light pulses to transmit data at speeds nearly as fast as that of light. It is one of the most secure ways to transfer data without causing much degradation. Even over longer distances.
Among the 1400+ fiber internet providers in the U.S. AT&T stands at the top with the most coverage across 21 states. AT&T Fiber is offered in more than one speed tier. But, the 100 Mbps plan is the most popular among subscribers.
Professional installation is a one-time cost. But it is an upfront cost. So, it must be considered when you are making your final choice of cheap internet service.
ISPs in the U.S. industry generally give you the option to go for a self-install with a low-priced self install kit. And, some also ship the kit FREE of cost. So, if you are tech savvy and love taking the DIY route, you can save a good buck on pro set up of service.
With that said, most ISPs in the U.S. industry charge around $100 for professional installation. Surprisingly, CenturyLink charges you up to $125 for a pro-install. On the other hand, among cable broadband providers Spectrum comes out as the most cost-effective with a $49.99 installation charge. And, Cox charges you under $100—there is a $75 install fee for a single play Cox internet connection. AT&T Fiber is amazingly cheap with only $49 pro-install cost. Although, DSL internet from AT&T costs you $99 for service set up.
Provider | Pro-Install Fee |
---|---|
CenturyLink | $125 |
AT&T DSL and AT&T Fiber | $99 & $49 |
Cox Communications | $75 |
Charter Spectrum™ | $49.99 |
Finding a cheap internet plan is a task, but if you are armed with the right information and help, the process becomes easier. If you know what you need, and do not get tempted by what you don’t need, you can stay on track.
Wondering which are the best internet providers in my area? Just enter your ZIP code and we will find out all the providers in your area. Just enter your ZIP code and we will find out all the providers in your area.
Contracts can be a pain to put up with. More so when your service lacks quality. And, you find yourself stuck. Consumers often compromise over their internet connection. Only because they will have to pay a big amount in Early Termination Fee.
Charter Spectrum™ sets itself apart from competitors. Spectrum does not bind you with a contract. And, if you are stuck in one but want to switch, Spectrum comes forward with up to $500 in contract buy-out. This way you can walk away from a below-par internet service and subscribe to superior and affordable internet with Spectrum.
Similarly, Optimum offers a contract buy-out too. Like Spectrum, you can get up to $500 to help pay off your current provider’s Early Termination Fee. This way you can connect to the Web via faster and cheaper internet service from Optimum instead.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers discount on high-speed internet to low-income households. That is if they qualify for the benefit under the Lifeline Program. Sf you fulfil the criteria set by the program you can get up to $9.25/month in discount on an internet service for your home. For tribal lands, the discount can be as much as $34.25 per month. The discount is applicable to a single service at a time. But, it does apply to bundled services. Both wired and wireline connections are covered.
Any U.S. citizen who is eligible for certain federal or state assistance programs—such as the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or some Tribal Programs—can get the discount offered by the FCC.
Many renowned ISPs run low-cost internet programs to help low-income households with K-12 or college students, as well as senior citizens. So, if you’ve been looking for a similar option to meet with your basic internet requirements, you can consider the following ISPs & their Internet assistance programs.
Optimum & Suddenlink by Altice USA | Altice Advantage Internet |
Charter Spectrum™ | Spectrum Internet Assist |
AT&T | AT&T Access |
Xfinity from Comcast | Internet Essentials |
Cox Communications | Cox Connect2Compete |
Mediacom Cable | Mediacom Connect2Compete |
CenturyLink | CenturyLink Lifeline |
Windstream Kinetic | Windstream Lifeline |
RCN | RCN Internet First |
Want to know what you are likely to get with these programs? Here take a look at the highlights of some popular Lifeline assistance programs.
AT&T Access |
For $10 or less Access from AT&T gets you:
|
Spectrum Internet Assist |
For $14.99/month Spectrum Internet Assist gets you:
|
Xfinity Internet Essentials |
For $9.95/month Xfinity Internet Essentials gets you:
|
Cox Connect2Compete |
For $9.95/month Cox Connect2Compete gets you:
|
Mediacom Connect2Compete |
For $9.95/month Mediacom Connect2Compete gets you:
|
BuyTVInternetPhone offers more than just the best cable TV services. With us you can also avail yourself of the best high-speed internet and Home Phone service packages.
Last updated: Dec 18, 2020
If you consider all service features, look at the speed to cost ratio, as well as installation and other costs, then at $49.99 per month, Spectrum Internet Standard comes out as the best cheap internet plan you can get.
Yes. CenturyLink offers standalone cheap DSL internet plans at $49/mo. with a Price for Life guarantee. And, you do not have to have a phone line or TV to use the service.
There’s a chance that your internet bill increases every year because of the overall industry wide hike in the price of internet. With cord-cutting on the rise the demand for internet has gone up big time in recent times. The best way to get rid of a price hike is to see if a provider, who offers a Price for Life guarantee, gives service at your address. For instance CenturyLink.
Contracts are often feared. But you can’t take away the ease that comes with a contract. If your price is locked for a year or two with a contract, there are no surprises that hit you. It is just important to make sure you read the fine print carefully enough. Also, sometimes contracts bring you discounted rates. So, they are not all that horrifying.
The best thing to do in a situation like this would be to compare other provider-plans. You may come across a provider that is offering you the same speed for a lower price. This way you wouldn’t have to downgrade your plan. But, you can also get the price down. To find all providers offering services in your neighborhood call 1-855-349-9328.
With AT&T Wireless you don’t have to get any kind of TV service. You can subscribe to standalone AT&T wireless internet plans. AT&T Unlimited plans give you useful features for a great price.
Most ISPs run a credit check before you sign up for service. But, there are others that give you an option. If you’re looking to subscribe to an internet plan without a credit check, you can offer to pay your first monthly bill in advance. Or provide the ISP with proof of identity such as a utility bill or driver’s license. That may help avoid a credit check.
Buying your own router can save you money in the long run. But, it is better to do so if you are tech savvy. Because many ISPs do not provide tech support for third-party equipment. ISPs usually charge an equipment rental anywhere between $5-$15. While some like Spectrum will give you the modem FREE. So it is better that you assess your exact situation and then make a decision.
As per FCC regulations, low-income households can benefit from discounted internet services. Many nationwide providers partner with the FCC. And, offer low-cost internet plans for low-income households. These ISPs include Windstream Kinetic, Optimum, Suddenlink, RCN and others.
Internet is the tech that is utilized to transfer data via wired or wireless networks. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that allows internet enabled devices to interface with internet without being connected via an Ethernet cable.
Yes. The FCC runs a Lifeline Support Program under which almost all nationwide ISPs in the U.S. offer their own internet assist programs. These ISPs include AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, CenturyLink and others.
If you are looking for the cheapest Fiber internet, AT&T offers up to 100 fast speeds for $35.00 a month.
To find the right internet service for your home, call at 1-855-349-9328. Speak to a professional who can guide you to the right internet package for your needs.
If your internet usage is light, and you are eligible to benefit from the FCC Lifeline Support Program, you can check to see which ISPs partnering with the FCC service your area. And, subscribe to high-speed internet at a subsidized price. If you do not qualify for this assistance, we’d suggest you compare available options in your neighborhood, and pick the one that fits your needs and budget the best. For pro advice you can call at 1-855-349-9328.
A no-contract internet plan means that you can cancel the service whenever you need to. You will not have to pay an early cancellation fee i.e. ETF (early termination fee) for walking away from the agreement sooner.
If you’re concerned about whether you’re getting the speed that you pay for, check your download speeds using the speed test tools available online. If you want to learn what your speed test results tell you, click here. This way you’d know exactly what your provider is offering you, and what you can do about it.
What sets fiber and cable apart is their basic composition. Fiber optic cables consist of glass fibers that transmit data via light pulses. Cable, on the other hand, uses electrical signal to transfer data via an inner conductor—which is usually a solid copper, stranded copper or copper plated steel wire.
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