Top student Wi-Fi plans to check out

Internet connectivity has become the need of the hour. In fact, many consider it a basic necessity that is instrumental in shaping a child’s education and outlook. The federal government recognizes this importance and has introduced discounted credit programs to help cut down the ownership cost of an Internet connection. On that note, here are some useful tips and the best Internet providers that offer student Wi-Fi deals at affordable prices.

Key features to consider while comparing student Wi-Fi plans
Here are the key benefits and features to compare:

• Compare benefits
  Students cannot afford expensive subscriptions, so they should compare telecommunication services that partner with federal government programs to provide high-speed Internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is one of the best benefits for students coming from low-income households, currently offering credit for Internet plans.
• Check connection speed
  In today’s day and age of high-fiber-speed Internet connectivity, don’t settle for anything less than 30 Mbps for a basic connection. This is the necessary bandwidth to comfortably connect multiple devices and configure online sessions or lectures in decent streaming quality. If higher bandwidth plans qualify for the subsidy, then you don’t have to worry about bandwidth.
• Consider bundles
  Some service providers also offer bundles applicable to discounted student Wi-Fi plans. These bundles combine Internet and TV streaming services for a single price. So, opt for such plans if the provider offers these additional benefits at no extra charge. However, note that only a few discounted student Wi-Fi plans support bundles as part of the Internet benefit program.

Featured service providers for student Wi-Fi plans
These are the top services that partner with federal programs to offer affordable connectivity solutions:

• Xfinity student Wi-Fi plans
  Xfinity is one of the preferred providers, offering a wide range of Internet plans that students can subscribe to. Xfinity’s reliable connection ensures better bandwidth, allowing you to connect multiple devices and not worry about latency or lag issues. Moreover, the DIY starter kit is easy to install and configure. But the service is mainly preferred by students, owing to Xfinty’s Internet Essentials program, which features two plans priced at $9.95 per month and $29.95 per month, respectively. Get 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps upload speed with these basic but effective Internet plans. The plan also includes all the accessories and tools for installation without any contractual obligations or lock-in periods. Xfinity partners with colleges and universities to make these discounted plans worth buying. Alternatively, you can check out slightly premium off-campus plans starting at $55 per month that offer multiple services for Internet and streaming under one bundle.
• Cox Communications
  Cox Connect2Compete is a special-access, affordable Internet assistance program that helps students avail themselves of high latency data with no speed restrictions up to 100 Mbps over a secure server. The connection is priced at just $9.95 per month and includes the modem and EasyConnect self-installation kit. This plan is only available to families of students who are currently receiving benefits under the federal government’s K12 Online Public School Programs. Students can connect to attend classes and virtual sessions with uninterrupted and reliable internet connectivity. Most importantly, no term contracts or agreements specify a lock-in period for the subscription. But there is a data cap of 1.25TB on a single connection for the 100 Mbps plan. However, this data cap is rarely breached, so this is a good deal for young children and teenagers in high school.
• Spectrum
  One of the key highlights of Spectrum’s services is the Internet Assist program for low-income households. Working professionals and students alike can easily qualify for discounted Internet plans with 30 Mbps speed on a low-bandwidth server. With the connection, you also get the modem and accessories necessary completely free of charge. And to secure the connection, you will get an antivirus and Internet security suite that comes preinstalled with the kit. So, all told, for $19.99 per month, this is a deal that should not be overlooked. Alternatively, Spectrum also features the Internet 100 plan, in which students and eligible low-income households can avail themselves of reimbursements for existing high-speed plans. The offer applies to Spectrum’s plans ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, with a maximum credit of $30 per month over the plan subscription. So, for the basic plan that costs $29.95 per month, pre-qualified applicants can utilize the credit and avail of free Internet with no data cap, speed, or bandwidth restrictions.
• AT&T Internet plans
  AT&T also partners with the federal program, offering affordable Internet connectivity with credit lines up to $30 per month available on all eligible ACP Internet plans. Some of the key highlights include a minimum speed of 100 Mbps, unlimited connectivity, no installation fees, no contact, and no initial deposit. Even the basic equipment used to activate the Internet connection is included in the subscription at no cost. Students can also choose a DSL or fiber connection, depending on the selected plan. Note that the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit can only be used if household income is 200% or below the set limit, according to the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, any family member is already enrolled for qualifying federal assistance. These rules and guidelines will vary from state to state.

Apart from these featured providers, you can check out services like Frontier, Optimum, Mediacom, T-Mobile, and Verizon FIOS. You can avail yourself of discounts on student Wi-Fi plans in the range of $10 to $20 per month, depending on the provider, available plans, and location.