Cell Phones and Internet

Subsidized Services (“Obama Phones”)

The subsidized Telecom Service (AKA “Obama Phones”) provides discounted phones and internet to eligible households. To see if you are eligible and to learn more, check out the Lifeline Support Website

Other Phones

• Pre-paid phone plans are generally cheaper than contracts and you use everything you pay for. Check out providers like Mint Mobile, Boost, Cricket, MetroPCS, Straight Talk, Ting etc.
• If you can afford it, buy your phone outright rather than paying installments as you’ll save over the long-term. Remember to check out refurbished phones online. If you prefer brand new, check out the $299 OnePlus Nord N20 or the $429 iPhone SE
• If you use a lot of data and you don’t have a home computer or internet, check out unlimited plans– some (Cricket) start for $55/month and can function as your phone and internet.

Internet

• Ask local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for discounts for households on government support programs like food stamps or Medicaid– some ISPs have reduced rates for households with low incomes.
• Remember, the cheapest plan is no plan at all! Most cell phone providers offer one or more plans with hotspot. This means you can connect your desktop or laptop computer to your cell phone via Wi-Fi and use the cell data on your computer! Public libraries often have free computers with internet access for personal use. If you have a laptop, try to make use of free Wi-Fi throughout your day — at the gym, the coffee shop, the mall, or many restaurants.