TL;DR: Low-income New Yorkers have more affordable internet options than most people realize. Human-I-T’s Gold Membership offers unlimited LTE internet for $14.99/month with no contract and no credit check — the lowest flat-rate option available to income-qualified households citywide. New York’s Affordable Broadband Act, which took full effect in 2025, now requires large ISPs like Spectrum, Verizon, and Optimum to offer plans capped at $15/month or $20/month to qualifying residents. NYCHA residents can get free internet through the Big Apple Connect program, extended through June 2028. The federal Lifeline program still provides up to $9.25/month off internet or phone service. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in April 2024 and is no longer accepting applications. Below is a borough-by-borough breakdown of what’s available and how to qualify.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Cheapest Internet in New York City?
- How Does Pricing Compare Across NYC Internet Providers?
- What Low-Income Internet Programs Are Available in NYC Right Now?
- What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in the Bronx?
- What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Brooklyn?
- What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Queens?
- What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Manhattan?
- What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Staten Island?
- How Do I Qualify for Low-Cost Internet in NYC?
- What Internet Providers Offer No-Contract Plans in NYC?
- What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cheapest Internet in New York City?
The cheapest internet option available to income-qualified New York City households is Human-I-T’s Gold Membership at $14.99/month. The plan includes a Franklin T10 mobile hotspot device and unlimited LTE data on a nationwide network. There is no contract, no credit check, and no activation fee. Eligibility is based on household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or enrollment in a qualifying federal assistance program such as Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance. Human-I-T also provides a refurbished laptop or desktop through its online store, one year of free tech support, and access to digital skills training — making it the most comprehensive low-cost internet package available to low-income households in NYC.
For households that don’t qualify for income-based programs, Astound Broadband offers 150 Mbps cable internet starting at $19.95/month in parts of the city. Optimum starts at $25/month for 200 Mbps cable, and Spectrum’s promotional rate begins at $30/month for 100 Mbps through its Internet Advantage plan.
Among traditional wired ISPs with low-income programs, Spectrum Internet Assist provides 50 Mbps service at $15–$25/month depending on qualification tier. According to Spectrum’s website, New York State residents may qualify for the lower $15/month rate through additional state-level eligibility criteria.
How Does Pricing Compare Across NYC Internet Providers?
The table below compares the most widely available internet plans in New York City as of early 2026. All prices reflect the lowest currently advertised rate for new residential customers. Pricing was sourced directly from each provider’s website and may vary by address.
| Provider | Lowest Monthly Price | Speed | Contract Required | Low-Income Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human-I-T Gold Membership | $14.99/mo | Unlimited LTE | No | Yes — income-qualified |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | $15–$25/mo | 50 Mbps | No | Yes — SSI, NSLP, CEP |
| Astound Internet First | $9.95/mo | 50–150 Mbps | No | Yes — income-qualified |
| Optimum | $25/mo | 200 Mbps | No | ABA-compliant plan available |
| Spectrum Internet Advantage | $30/mo (promo) | 100 Mbps | No | No |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50/mo ($35 w/ voice line) | 133–415 Mbps | No | No |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99/mo | 300 Mbps | No | Lifeline/ABA-compliant plan available |
| Astound Broadband | $30/mo (promo) | 300 Mbps | No | No |
A few things worth noting about this table. Promotional pricing from Spectrum, Optimum, and Astound may increase after the first 12–24 months. Human-I-T’s rate does not change. T-Mobile’s price drops to $35/month when bundled with a T-Mobile voice line, and the company offers a 5-year price guarantee. Verizon Fios pricing includes taxes and fees, which is unusual for the industry and makes its advertised rate closer to what you’ll actually pay.
What Low-Income Internet Programs Are Available in NYC Right Now?
Several programs exist to reduce or eliminate internet costs for qualifying New York City households. Here’s what’s currently active as of 2026.
Does the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Still Exist?
No. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended in April 2024 after Congress did not approve additional funding. The program is no longer accepting applications, and no monthly benefits are being distributed. Any website or advertisement referencing ACP discounts is outdated.
What Replaced the ACP in New York?
New York State’s Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) is the most significant replacement. According to Governor Hochul’s office, the ABA took full effect in early 2025 after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the law in December 2024, clearing all remaining legal challenges. The ABA requires every internet service provider with more than 20,000 New York customers to offer qualifying households a broadband plan at no more than $15/month for at least 25 Mbps, or $20/month for at least 200 Mbps. These capped rates include taxes and equipment fees — no additional charges are permitted.
To qualify, a member of your household must participate in one of several federal or state assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, HEAP, or the National School Lunch Program. According to the ConnectALL Office, eligible residents should look for terms like “low cost,” “reduced cost,” or “Affordable Broadband Act” on their internet provider’s website, or call 311 in New York City and ask for “low-cost internet.”
Is Lifeline Still Active?
Yes. Lifeline is a federal program administered by the FCC that provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. Eligibility is based on household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or participation in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance. Lifeline can be stacked with ABA pricing in some cases and is applied separately from ISP-specific low-income programs. You can check eligibility and apply through the USAC National Verifier at checklifeline.org.
What Is Big Apple Connect?
Big Apple Connect is a New York City program that provides free high-speed internet and basic cable TV to residents of participating New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments. According to the Mayor’s office, the program was extended through June 2028 and currently serves approximately 330,000 residents across 220 NYCHA sites. Service is provided by Optimum or Spectrum depending on location. There are no forms to fill out, no income verification, and no eligibility requirements beyond living in a participating NYCHA development. To enroll, NYCHA residents can call Optimum at 866-580-0478 or Spectrum at 866-960-1754.
What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in the Bronx?
The Bronx has strong coverage from multiple providers, and low-income residents have several options that bring the monthly cost well below $30.
Human-I-T’s Gold Membership is available to Bronx residents at $14.99/month for unlimited LTE internet, with eligibility based on household income or federal assistance program enrollment. This is a wireless option — it uses a mobile hotspot device and does not require a wired connection to the building.
For wired service, Optimum has nearly complete cable coverage across the Bronx and is the dominant provider in many neighborhoods. According to Allconnect, Optimum cable is available to close to 100% of Bronx addresses. Optimum’s plans start at $25/month for 200 Mbps cable. Under the Affordable Broadband Act, qualifying Bronx households can request Optimum’s ABA-compliant plan at $15 or $20/month.
Verizon Fios covers roughly 90% of the Bronx with fiber internet. According to Allconnect, Fios plans start at $49.99/month for 300 Mbps without a mobile bundle. Verizon also participates in Lifeline and offers ABA-compliant pricing for eligible customers.
Spectrum provides service to portions of the Bronx, and its Internet Assist program offers 50 Mbps for $15–$25/month to qualifying households. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is also available in much of the borough at $50/month with AutoPay.
NYCHA residents in the Bronx who live in participating developments can access Big Apple Connect, which provides free internet through Optimum or Spectrum at no cost through at least June 2028.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, low- and moderate-income communities in cities like New York pay a notably higher share of their income for broadband than wealthier areas, exceeding the FCC’s 2% affordability benchmark. The Bronx, where median household income is the lowest of any NYC borough, is disproportionately affected by this gap.
What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is served by a mix of cable, fiber, and fixed wireless providers, with competitive pricing driven by overlapping service areas.
Human-I-T’s Gold Membership at $14.99/month is available to income-qualified Brooklyn residents and does not require building-level wired infrastructure — making it accessible in older housing stock where ISP availability may be limited.
Optimum provides cable internet in parts of Brooklyn — particularly in eastern neighborhoods such as Brownsville, East New York, and Flatlands — with plans starting at $25/month. Spectrum covers much of the rest of the borough, with promotional pricing starting at $30/month for 100 Mbps. Both providers participate in Big Apple Connect at eligible NYCHA developments, and both offer ABA-compliant reduced-cost plans.
Verizon Fios has extensive fiber coverage in Brooklyn, starting at $49.99/month for 300 Mbps. Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) serves parts of Brooklyn as well, with plans starting at $30/month for 300 Mbps.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is widely available in Brooklyn at $50/month with AutoPay and no contract.
What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Queens?
Queens has broad ISP availability, with Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and T-Mobile covering most of the borough.
Human-I-T’s Gold Membership at $14.99/month is available to qualifying Queens households across every zip code, delivered via LTE hotspot.
Spectrum is the primary cable provider in Queens, with plans starting at $30/month. Spectrum Internet Assist is available at $15–$25/month for qualifying households. Verizon Fios offers fiber coverage across most of Queens, starting at $49.99/month. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available in most Queens neighborhoods at $50/month.
Optimum has limited coverage in Queens compared to the Bronx or Brooklyn, so availability should be confirmed by address. Astound Broadband may also serve certain areas.
NYCHA residents in Queens who live in participating developments can enroll in Big Apple Connect for free internet service.
What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Manhattan?
Manhattan has the most dense ISP competition in the city, which generally means more plan choices — though not necessarily lower prices for market-rate plans.
Human-I-T’s Gold Membership at $14.99/month is available to all income-qualified Manhattan residents.
Spectrum is the dominant cable provider in Manhattan, with plans starting at $30/month for 100 Mbps. Verizon Fios has extensive fiber coverage, starting at $49.99/month for 300 Mbps. Astound Broadband serves parts of Manhattan with cable plans starting at $30/month for 300 Mbps. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available to most Manhattan addresses at $50/month.
For low-income Manhattan residents, the Affordable Broadband Act requires participating ISPs to offer $15 or $20/month plans. Spectrum Internet Assist is available at $15–$25/month for qualifying households. NYCHA residents in participating developments can access Big Apple Connect for free.
According to Governor Hochul’s office, new ConnectALL Affordable Housing Connectivity Program grants are funding broadband installations in affordable housing in upper Manhattan and the Bronx, with Flume Internet offering service as low as $10/month at 100 Mbps in covered buildings, with rates locked through 2034.
What Are the Cheapest Internet Options in Staten Island?
Staten Island has fewer provider options than the other four boroughs, but coverage from Spectrum and Verizon Fios is solid across most of the island.
Human-I-T’s Gold Membership at $14.99/month is available to income-qualified Staten Island residents.
Spectrum is the primary cable provider on Staten Island, with standard plans starting at $30/month. Verizon Fios serves much of the island with fiber, starting at $49.99/month for 300 Mbps. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available in most Staten Island neighborhoods at $50/month.
Optimum and Astound Broadband have limited-to-no coverage on Staten Island — residents should check availability by address before assuming access. For low-income options, Spectrum Internet Assist and ABA-compliant plans are available from both Spectrum and Verizon.
How Do I Qualify for Low-Cost Internet in NYC?
Most low-income internet programs in New York City use the same general eligibility criteria. You may qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a household member is enrolled in one or more of the following programs: Lifeline, SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), or the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
The specific programs accepted may vary slightly by provider. For example, Spectrum Internet Assist accepts SSI, NSLP, and CEP. Human-I-T’s Gold Membership accepts all of the above plus direct income verification.
To apply for Human-I-T’s Gold Membership, you’ll need documentation of household income or program enrollment, plus a valid photo ID. You can apply online at human-i-t.org or call 1-888-391-7249.
What Internet Providers Offer No-Contract Plans in NYC?
Every major internet provider in New York City now offers month-to-month service with no annual contract. Spectrum, Optimum, Verizon Fios, Astound Broadband, and T-Mobile Home Internet all operate without requiring a long-term commitment. Human-I-T’s Gold Membership also has no contract and can be cancelled at any time.
The distinction worth paying attention to is not contracts but promotional pricing. Spectrum, Optimum, and Astound all offer discounted rates that increase after 12 to 24 months. Verizon Fios and T-Mobile both offer multi-year price guarantees — Verizon locks in pricing for at least three years, and T-Mobile guarantees its 5G home internet price for five years. Human-I-T’s $14.99/month rate is fixed and does not increase after a promotional period.
What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provided a $30/month discount on internet service to qualifying low-income households nationwide. The program’s funding expired in April 2024, and Congress did not reauthorize it. As of 2026, ACP is not accepting new applications and is not providing any benefits. Any references to ACP on provider websites or in marketing materials are outdated.
For New Yorkers who relied on ACP, the closest current replacement is the state-level Affordable Broadband Act, which caps internet pricing at $15 or $20/month for qualifying households. The Lifeline program also remains active and provides up to $9.25/month off service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest internet option in New York City?
For income-qualified households, Human-I-T’s Gold Membership at $14.99/month is the cheapest flat-rate internet plan available citywide. It includes a Franklin T10 hotspot and unlimited LTE data with no contract. Among traditional ISPs, Astound’s Internet First program starts at $9.95/month for qualifying households in covered areas, and Spectrum Internet Assist starts at $15/month for eligible New York State residents.
What is the cheapest internet in the Bronx?
Low-income Bronx residents can access unlimited LTE internet for $14.99/month through Human-I-T’s Gold Membership by qualifying based on household income or enrollment in a federal assistance program like Lifeline or SNAP. Optimum, which has nearly complete cable coverage across the Bronx, offers ABA-compliant plans starting at $15/month for eligible households. NYCHA residents in participating Bronx developments can get free internet through Big Apple Connect.
How do I get low-cost internet if I have low income in NYC?
New Yorkers with low income can qualify for $14.99/month unlimited internet through Human-I-T’s Gold Membership. Eligibility requires documentation of household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or proof of enrollment in Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance, plus a valid photo ID. Apply at human-i-t.org or call 1-888-391-7249. You can also contact your ISP directly and ask about their Affordable Broadband Act plan, or call 311 in New York City and ask for “low-cost internet.”
Does New York City have any free or subsidized internet programs?
Yes. Big Apple Connect provides free high-speed internet and basic cable to residents of 220 participating NYCHA developments through June 2028 — no application or income verification required. The federal Lifeline program provides up to $9.25/month off internet or phone service for qualifying low-income households. New York State’s Affordable Broadband Act requires large ISPs to offer plans at $15 or $20/month to eligible residents. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in April 2024 and is no longer accepting applications.
What internet providers offer no-contract plans in New York City?
Every major NYC internet provider offers month-to-month plans with no annual contract, including Spectrum, Optimum, Verizon Fios, Astound Broadband, T-Mobile Home Internet, and Human-I-T. The key difference is pricing stability — Verizon and T-Mobile offer multi-year price guarantees, while Spectrum, Optimum, and Astound raise rates after the initial promotional period. Human-I-T’s $14.99/month rate does not change.
