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AT&T Internet for Seniors

Whether you want the internet to stay connected with friends and family, to shop, or to keep up on current events, companies offer a variety of plans to suit your needs. It all depends on what type of internet speed you are looking for and what your budget is. AT&T is a well-known name in the communications business as it is known for providing phone service throughout the years as well as internet and even television. Currently, there are several low-cost internet plan options that are being offered which may appeal to those on a budget, including seniors.

Internet Speeds & Plan Costs

Let’s face it; not everyone’s budget can accommodate the top internet plans out there. But, that doesn’t mean that people still can’t get connected at an affordable rate, especially with these plans.

Access Program

There are three different internet speeds and price levels to choose from with the Access Program. In order to qualify:
  • At least one person in the household must be a participant in SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
  • You must live in one of the 21 states where AT&T provides wireline home Internet service (Broadband Internet Access Service that is delivered to a fixed location over a physical wire or cable) or at least one of the Access from AT&T Internet speeds must be available where you live.
  • You must not have any outstanding debt for AT&T fixed internet service within the last six months or outstanding incurred debt under this program.
  • If you live in California and at least one person in your household receives Supplemental Security Income benefits, you may also qualify based on the same requirements that apply to those with SNAP.
Prices and internet speeds are as follows:
  • 10 megabits per second for $10/month
  • 5 megabits per second for $10/month
  • 3 megabits per second for $5/month
  • 5 megabits per second for $5/month
  • 768 kilobits per second for $5/month
If you qualify for the Access program, AT&T will assign the fastest internet service that is available for your address. There is no commitment, no deposit, and no installation fee. With the Access program, you will also receive in-home Wi-Fi gateway and access to the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network. To see if you qualify for this program, contact AT&T to begin the application process.

AT&T Lifeline

AT&T participates in Lifeline which is a federal program that offers discounted internet and phone bills to those who qualify. If you’re eligible you will get at least $9.25 off of your monthly bill. Eligible customers who also live on federally recognized tribal lands may receive an additional $25 discount. You can get one Lifeline discount, phone or internet, but not both, per household. A household can only get one Lifeline discount from only one provider. In order to qualify you must meet the following criteria:
  • Your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines
  • You or someone in your household participates in one of the following federal assistance programs:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
    • Medicaid
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
    • Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
  • You live in one of the states where the service is offered
If you think you meet the criteria, call AT&T to see if it is offered in your area so you can begin the application process. If you meet all of the criteria, you must subscribe to a plan that meets the Lifeline program’s minimum service standards.

Other Internet Plans

AT&T does offer other plans that are available in all areas where their service can be found. AT&T internet is available in four price tiers. Basic plans are priced based on internet speeds. Since the pricing for all the plans are the same, AT&T will offer the highest speed available at your location.

768K

  • Promo Price 1-12 months at $40/month
  • Regular Price 13+months at $50/month
  • Up to $99 installation fee
  • Best for email and light web surfing

1.5Mbps

  • Promo Price 1-12 months at $40/month
  • Regular Price 13+months at $50/month
  • Up to $99 installation fee
  • Good for downloading small files, web surfing, and social networking

5Mbps

  • Promo Price 1-12 months at $40/month
  • Regular Price 13+months at $50/month
  • Up to $99 installation fee
  • Good for light video streaming, downloading music, and social networking
Pricing for higher speed plans are also the same and AT&T will give you the highest speed available for your area.

10Mbps

  • Promo Price 1-12 months at $50/month
  • Regular Price 13+months at $60/month
  • Up to $99 installation fee
  • Good for multi-device households, social networking, downloading music, and video streaming

18Mpbs

  • Promo Price 1-12 months at $50/month
  • Regular Price 13+months at $60/month
  • Up to $99 installation fee
  • Good for HD video streaming, sharing videos and photos, and online gaming

25 & 50Mpbs

  • Promo Price 1-12 months at $50/month
  • Regular Price 13+months at $60/month
  • Up to $99 installation fee
  • Good for HD video streaming, sharing videos and photos, and online gaming

100Mpbs

  • Promo Price 1-12 months at $50/month
  • Regular Price 13+months at $60/month
  • Up to $99 installation fee
  • Excellent for streaming HD videos, online gaming and sharing large files
There are also plans that are powered by AT&T Fiber, which is ultra-fast internet service. This service is not offered in all areas, so if it is something you may be interested in, contact AT&T. Plan prices for this service range from $50-$100/month, which may not be within many people’s budgets. When you sign up for AT&T service, you can count on reliable service, Wi-Fi gateway to connect all your devices, AT&T internet security, e-mail accounts, and Wi-Fi hot spots.

Senior Discounts

AT&T does not offer senior discounts for internet service.

Bundling Options

One way to save money on your monthly bill is to bundle services like phone and television with your internet service. If you choose any one of the television packages AT&T offers and bundle that with your internet service, you can save $10 off your internet cost each month. It’s best to contact AT&T to see what promotions they may also have going on to help save you more money.

Summary

AT&T offers several low-cost internet options for seniors on a budget. If you qualify, you can get basic internet service at a fraction of the cost compared to other plans. Although there are no senior discounts available, the savings through the discount plans makes internet service accessible for many seniors who may otherwise not have the chance to get service. AT&T also offers other plans for those who want faster service. These plans do cost more, but can be reduced if you decide to bundle them with a television plan.