Everyone knows being a college student means your bank account looks scarce on a regular basis. Between your tuition, books, supplies, housing, meal plan, transportation, phone bill, internet bill and Netflix subscription; being a student is expensive and has also made it a necessity for you to be connected at all times. Studying, doing homework, collaborating on projects and taking exams are impossible to do without a reliable internet connection. No student wants to be tethered to the library or their university’s common areas just for the Wi-Fi and internet service can be expensive. But did you know you may have options? Many providers across the country have discounts and special internet plans created for students. Here are five internet providers who offer special deals and discounts for college students, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Xfinity
Xfinity offers exclusive discounts for students enrolled at specific colleges they have agreements with in their service area. Even though you’d be on a student plan, it’s still the same great service everyone else who isn’t a student gets. You won’t be stuck with a lesser plan or slower speeds just because you’re receiving a discount. To sweeten the deal, sometimes Xfinity will drop in a prepaid card or 6 months of a streaming service free when you become a customer with them. To find out if your university participates and what kind of discount you can expect, you’ll have to contact Xfinity to find out.
2. SuddenLink
If you’re a student really pressed for cash, the student discount from SuddenLink and Optimum’s parent company Altice USA is the best choice. They’re currently offering free internet service for 60 days if you or someone in your household is a current student. After the initial 60 days, the service is only $14.99 a month, which is cheaper than any other internet service around. With your new service plan you’ll get download speeds of 30 Mbps, a free smart router and modem, unlimited data and an unspecified discount on installation.
3. Optimum
Optimum also participates in the same student discount offer from their parent company Altice USA mentioned above. This offer is also eligible for households with K-12 students, seniors, military veterans or receive public assistance not just college students. The only caveat to the discount is you cannot already have home internet access for remote learning. This offer is only for households without internet service at all.
4. Frontier Communications
Frontier communications isn’t specific about what kind of discount you’ll get with their student internet plans, but they do have discounts available to students attending specific colleges and universities. To find out if you’re eligible, you’ll have to contact Frontier directly to find out.
5. AT&T
Access from AT&T offers low cost internet plans to low income students and households get connected at a monthly rate they can afford. Internet plans start at just $5 a month with free installation, in home Wi-Fi, no contract and no deposit. Due to the coronavirus, AT&T has temporarily loosened up its eligibility requirements. AT&T hasn’t announced an end date to this discount.
Bonus Provider: Spectrum
While this discount isn’t student specific, the current health crisis has caused many American’s to struggle financially and we thought it was still important to mention Charter Spectrum’s offer. Spectrum has special rates for low income families with internet speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps where their service is available. To get onto their low income internet plan, all you need to do is contact Spectrum and they can get you set up. You may have to provide certain documentation to prove that you’re eligible for the discount.
