Explore lower-cost options for internet access and computers.
Internet Service Provider programs
Several internet access companies offer lower-cost services for customers who qualify. Check with your current provider to see what they may offer. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) provides a list of low-cost and free internet service provider options.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
What does the ACP provide?
- Up to $30/month discount for broadband service through participating providers OR up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price
Who is eligible?
A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as Lifeline (see details below), WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or SSI
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program
How do I get started?
Start at the Affordable Connectivity Program website or call 877-384-2575.
How can I enroll?
- Go to ACPBenefit.org to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
- Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
Some providers may have an alternative application they will ask you to complete.
Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
What are the participating internet service providers in this area?
Participating internet service providers within the library district area include: AT&T Mobile, Comcast (Xfinity), Spectrum (Charter), TDS, Verizon, Ziply, and others. You can restart old service, begin new service, change service providers, or apply the discount to service from your current provider. Eligible households with a past-due balance or a balance in collections can still get the benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Consumer FAQ for the Affordable Connectivity Program (including information on how to transition between EBB and ACP)
Fact sheets
PDF: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese-Traditional, Chinese-Simplified, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese
Video: ASL
Lifeline
What does Lifeline provide?
Lifeline provides the following:
- Up to a $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income subscribers OR up to $34.25 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands
Lifeline is an ongoing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wired or wireless providers. You can have both ACP and Lifeline benefits at the same time—start by applying for Lifeline.
Who is eligible?
A household is eligible if it meets one of the criteria below:
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- A dependent/child participates in one of the above assistance programs
- Income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Lives on Tribal lands and a household member meets the above or participates in Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How do I get started?
Start at the Lifeline Support website or call 800-234-9473.
Fact sheet
Organizations offering lower-cost or free computers
PCs for People
Online Store
Open to all residents of the U.S. Certain Microsoft and Internet products are only available to individuals meeting their eligibility requirements. Eligibility is validated at product checkout, if needed.
Free Geek
Online store
No eligibility requirements. Pickup in Portland or pay for shipping.
Computers for K-12 students
This program is available only to K-12 students in the Portland metro area. This includes public school, private school, and homeschool students. Students who are currently houseless and/or experiencing unstable housing situations, students who are low-income, and students with accessibility needs are prioritized.
EveryoneOn
Online Store
No eligibility requirement. Pay for shipping.
Computers for Kids
K-12 student application
Open to WA, OR, ID, and UT residents. No income requirement. Each child in a household may receive a computer. Application requires a one-page essay describing why you want a computer and what educational use it will serve.
College student application
Must provide a copy of student ID.