How to Access Low-Cost Internet

What do we need the internet for?

Like water and electricity, the internet is something that everyone needs access to for things like: school, work, leisure, communicating and generally making life a lot easier. Most importantly, internet access can help improve your finances—let’s take a look at how. 

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How can internet access help me financially?

Internet can open up a completely new world of options to help you financially. Here are some things that are available on the internet:

• Jobs: Many jobs these days will only post open positions on the internet, either on their website or through a hiring platform like Indeed. They will also only accept applications for these jobs online, instead of through a paper application. The internet also gives you a space to earn more money, for example by looking for higher paying jobs, starting an online business to sell things you make, and so much more. 
• Shopping (for cheaper!):Having internet allows you to search for the best price for an item, instead of spending time going to each store individually. For example, if you are looking for a mechanic to fix your car, doing a quick online search may show that Mechanic B is cheaper (and has higher customer reviews) than Mechanic A, and therefore you should go to Mechanic B. You can also find plenty of online-only coupons to help with your shopping. 
• Accessing public benefits: You can search the internet for public benefits that are available in your locality, state, or at the federal level, especially if you are in urgent need of help. 
• Gaining new skills and tools to move up the economic ladder: There are so many free educational materials on the internet. You can use these to learn more about topics that interest you, gain the knowledge and experience to move up in your current job or search for a new career altogether. Whether you’re applying at a company or starting your own business, using the internet to learn new skills to add to your resume will look impressive to everyone and make it more likely for you to succeed. 
• Saving money: There are many internet-only banks that offer interest rates that are significantly higher than those of regular brick-and-mortar banks.
• So much more!

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As you can see, there are many ways that the internet can help you financially. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, we know that getting internet service at your home can be expensive, especially if you have many other bills to pay each month. Thankfully, there are some very effective ways that you can get internet for a low monthly cost, or even for free.

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How can United Way help me get internet at my home?

We can help you find and apply for low-cost plans offered by internet companies in your area.

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How do I qualify for low-cost broadband plans?

We can help you check! Check out our eligibility screening tool below to see if you qualify for any options.

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Which internet plan is best for me?

Get the plan that fits your household’s needs. If you live by yourself and only need to use the internet for very basic things, then the cheapest plan may work for you. However, if your entire household uses the internet for things like watching videos, gaming, listening to music and more, it might be better to choose a faster (and slightly more expensive) plan. Take a look at what different internet speeds can mean for you below:

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Ready to get started? 

Text INTERNET to 211-211

Visit broadband.unitedwaysca.org

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