Anyone would love to get an internet connection, especially if it comes at a discount. But more than ever, this situation becomes a necessity when you’re a student and are on a limited budget. However, this doesn’t imply that one compromises on the quality and reliability of service just to save a few bucks. There’s no point in trying to get a messy low-cost connection set right as there are already assignments and papers to deal with.
Let’s have a look at some ideas by which your search for the most suitable internet connection can bring about fruitful results.
- Who doesn’t crave instant downloading and uploading of documents and files in today’s super-fast world? Time is money and a valuable asset if it’s on your side. Therefore, try to list out your tasks so you can decide on the maximum speed that you would need to finish up your tasks. They can include but aren’t limited to term papers, online quizzes, assignments, etc.
- You should know the coverage of your area. Some connections work better in some areas while others don’t. You can choose a cable, DSL, fiber, or satellite connection depending on your geographical location.
- Choose cable internet if you already have a cable tv connection where you’re located. The speed may get throttled in peak hours though.
- You can choose DSL if your place is fitted with landline cables. It’s affordable as well as being reliable.
- Fiber is the fastest connection out there right now. Not widely available but if you live on campus and your institute uses fiber connection then you might be in luck.
- If you’re residing in some rural area, away from urban/city life then satellite may be your only option. The connection might get affected due to weather though. It still is a good enough choice.
Now that you’re done with some basic inventory, here’s a list of some selected internet service providers that you can choose from:
Comcast Internet Essentials
- The first on our list is Comcast with its no-contract, high-speed internet plan for only $9.95 a month plus tax.
- There is no credit check and the installation fee are zero.
- You can also get an affordable budget-friendly computer from them at only $149.99.
- They require that you should be an eligible candidate for public assistance programs like NSAP, Housing Assistance, SSI, and a few others
Access from AT&T
- For low-income families and students, AT&T has launched plans to help them get internet access that costs less.
- They are offering speed packages like 3 Mbps at $5 a month and it goes up to 10 Mbps at $10 per month which is extremely good.
- You don’t need to pay any hidden fees in terms of installation, contracts, or deposits. It’s a no strings attached plan.
- They offer in-home Wi-Fi while they also make AT&T’s Wi-Fi hotspots available to you at no cost.
- Like with Comcast, you will need to qualify for this. It can be done smoothly if you or anyone in your household receives benefits from public services like SSI.
Spectrum Internet Assist
- Spectrum is another amazing internet service provider that provides affordable and reliable connections without binding the customer is contracts.
- If anyone around you is enrolled in or can be a candidate for the government’s assistance programs then you have unbelievable access to high-speed internet with prices that are just outstandingly great.
- Charter Spectrum by localcabledeals is providing customers with 30 Mbps speed and that is only for $15 a month.
- The modem is included in the plan.
- There are no data caps and the package is contract-free.
Cox
- Cox is very much focused on providing internet services to all students, everywhere. Their plan Connect2Compete aims at giving access to as many students as is possible. They want them to complete their studies and get ahead in life so that they turn out to be better, more productive citizens.
- Their student plan is priced at just $9.95 per month with speeds that go to 25 Mbps.
- They will include a Wi-Fi modem with all their plans and will not charge any fee for installation by their technician.
- They have a few requirements though. Cox requires that there should be at least one K-12 student in the family and you must also be a part of a government assistance program.
- Additionally, if need be, Cox offers video tutorials through an education portal to help out
Xfinity
- Though not the cheapest, Xfinity is one of the most popular inter service providers.
- There are some discounts which are offered to students going to certain institutions.
- You may find out by searching through their list of schools if you qualify for their discounts and related perks.
- This doesn’t change the services they offer. You will still get 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps of speed as per your selected plan.
- You can also be eligible for access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, etc.
These ISPs are offering some of the best plans at affordable rates that will not trouble students on a tight budget or limited spending.