Best Internet Providers in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham Internet Resources for Low-Income Families

For Alabamians, the digital divide is an ongoing problem affecting a concerning portion of the population. Yet, as more of our daily lives move online for school, work, and many other duties, the need for quality access and devices has never been greater. For low-income individuals, this lack of access represents just one more hurdle toward income inequality. To help, we’ve outlined the following list of resources in Birmingham for obtaining devices, virtual child care, and internet for free or low-cost.

Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Birmingham

• Computers With Causes: Computers With Causes is a national non-profit organization specializing in digital device redistribution. This non-profit association provides free laptops to qualifying applicants in all states. To request a free computer, apply online on the Computers With Causes request page with details about your level of necessity.
• Learning To Be The Light: Learning To Be The Light is a Birmingham-based non-profit organization with a mission to supply computers to any local student in need. Interested applicants must be a student of Hoover City Schools (HCS) currently receiving free or reduced lunch. Apply for this program by contacting your child’s school principal, assistant principal, or guidance counselor, and ask them to inquire via email at info@learningtobethelight.org.
• PCs for People: PCs for People provides refurbished, steeply discounted computers to individuals living on a limited income. Demonstrate your level of eligibility by providing one of the accepted documents and a valid photo ID. You can browse their current inventory of digital devices through the online store.

If you cannot wait for a computer through the above services, and you need a computer now, consider calling or visiting the following Birmingham computer stores for a refurbished device:

• Far Computers, LLC
• Smartech
• Computers and Electronics Technology

Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Birmingham

• McWane Science Center: The McWane Science Center allows your child to dive into the intricacies of scientific discovery from the comfort of home, including virtual SCI Cafes with interviews of professional scientists, learning labs with a variety of education modules, and a virtual tour of the center.
• Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA): If you have an older child interested in learning more about the vast art world three times a week, the Birmingham Museum of Art will take them on tour to highlight one piece of art. All sessions occur on the museum director’s Facebook Live feed, and past recordings reside on the BMA website.
• The Birmingham Zoo: The Birmingham Zoo offers standards-aligned videos, lessons and activities for your child focused on behind-the-scenes learning of various animals at the zoo.
• Alabama Virtual Library: The Alabama Virtual Library is an online hub of electronic library resources to include periodicals, e-books, and more for children and adults alike. All you need is a library card to register and access their services.
• Homework Alabama: Homework Alabama is a much-needed alternative to often very pricey in-person tutoring services. Homework Alabama provides one-to-one free tutoring, assistance with homework, and test prep for K-12.

Free Wireless Internet Access in Birmingham

• The University of Alabama at Birmingham Wi-Fi Map
• Wi-FiMap.io Birmingham Free Wi-Fi Map
• WiFi Cafe Spots Birmingham Free Wi-Fi Map

The Birmingham Public Library system also offers free Wi-Fi access during library operating hours. No password is needed; just agree to the library’s internet Terms of Use to join. Here are six library branch locations offering free internet access:

• Central Library — 2100 Park Pl.
• Avondale Library — 509 40th St. S
• Five Points West Library — 4812 Avenue W
• North Birmingham Library — 2501 31st Ave. N
• Springville Road Library — 1224 Old Springville Rd.
• West End Library — 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave.

For additional Wi-Fi locations, please use our free Wi-Fi map below. Each pin shows the location and type of establishment offering free internet to the public:

Free Wireless Internet Access in Birmingham, AL

1800 8th Ave. North

Birmingham, AL 35203

10 Old Montgomery Hwy

Birmingham, AL 35209

900 Arkadelphia Road

Birmingham, AL 35254

105 Vulcan Road, Suite 400, Birmingham, Alabama 35209-4701

Birmingham, AL 35209

280 W Valley Ave

Birmingham, AL 35209

4800 Valleydale Road

Birmingham, AL 35242

2601 Carson Rd

Birmingham, AL 35215

3060 Wilson Rd Sw

Birmingham, AL 35221

N/A

Birmingham, AL 35208

800 Lakeshore Dr.

Homewood, AL 35229