Best Internet Providers in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh COVID-19 Internet Resources for Low-Income Families

Now more than ever, Pittsburgh students are expected to have digital technology readily available at home. Not having access to a working computer or high-speed internet makes life very complicated for Pittsburgh families on the wrong side of the digital divide. We assembled the following lists to help low-income Pittsburgh families find the free and discounted computers, internet, and services they need for academic success: 

Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Pittsburgh

• Computer Reach: Computer Reach conducts a weekly lottery program that awards eligible recipients with a free desktop computer bundle. Names are drawn each Friday at 12 p.m., and the lottery winners can retrieve their packages from the Pittsburgh warehouse. You can also buy a refurbished laptop for as little as $75 from the Computer Reach online store. 
• PCs for People: Eligible low-income individuals in Pittsburgh can purchase a low-cost, refurbished computer starting at $100 through the PCs for People online store. To qualify for the program, recipients must be currently enrolled in a government assistance program or live below the 200 percent poverty line. 
• University of Pittsburgh: The University of Pittsburgh makes free loaner laptops and hot spots available to its students and employees who cannot afford to purchase this technology on their own. There are only a limited number of devices available, and students take priority over university faculty and staff.

If you don’t qualify for one of the low-cost computer programs above, you may be able to find a great deal on a refurbished laptop sold at a local technology store. The following computer stores in the Pittsburgh area offer a range of refurbished computers that work like new but cost a fraction of the price of an unused device:

• Duquesne University Computer Store
• Ninja Electronics

Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Pittsburgh

• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh public library system makes an incredible selection of online educational material available to library cardholding Pittsburgh residents for free. With just a few clicks, students can access online homework help, virtual programs for learners of all ages, and thousands of online courses. 
• Pittsburgh Public Schools: The Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Online Academy is a virtual public school designed for students who work better outside the traditional classroom. This innovative education program is available to students in Pittsburgh public schools as well as external applicants. Students can work at their own pace while still receiving remote assistance from high-quality educators. 
• Level Up 412: Level Up 412, an initiative funded by Verizon, offers free technology classes to children and adult learners throughout Pittsburgh. Driven by the goal of preparing economically disadvantaged learners for more lucrative jobs in the future, Level Up 412 courses include topics in programming, cybersecurity, web development, and more! 
• Literacy Pittsburgh: Powered by volunteers, this organization provides free literacy programs to people of all ages in the Pittsburgh area. Students who live in Alleghany County and Beaver County can access free online classes and tutoring covering English language learning, GED or HiSET preparation, reading and writing, math, U.S. citizenship test preparation, and college entrance exam preparation. 
• Child Care Works Program: The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services offers subsidized child care for low-income families through the Child Care Works Program. Managed by the Early Learning Resource Center, the Child Care Works Program helps eligible low-income families pay for child care by providing a portion of the necessary funds.

Free Wireless Internet Access in Pittsburgh

• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Branch Locations
• WiFiMap.io Pittsburgh Free Wi-Fi Map
• Instabridge Pittsburgh Free Wi-Fi Directory

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh makes free Wi-Fi available in the parking lots of the following branches:

• Allegheny Branch — 1230 Federal St.
• Beechview Branch — 1910 Broadway Ave.
• Brookline Branch — 708 Brookline Blvd.
• Carrick Branch — 1811 Brownsville Rd.
• East Liberty Branch — 130 S. Whitfield St.

Thanks to the affordable resources provided by non-profit and government programs, a lack of home internet service shouldn’t stop you from getting online. To learn more about the locations in Pittsburgh offering free Wi-Fi to the public, look through our Wi-Fi coverage map:

Free Wireless Internet Access in Pittsburgh, PA

235 Fourth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

5830 Ellsworth Avenue Suite 101

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

3333 Forbes Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

712 South Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15221

710 Wood St

Pittsburgh, PA 15221

10 Duff Rd

Pittsburgh, PA 15235

4 Allegheny Center 8th FL

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

420 Boulevard Of The Allies

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

1815 Metropolitan Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15233

125 West Station Square Drive Suite 129

Pittsburgh, PA 15219