Best Internet Providers in Boston, MA

Boston Internet Resources for Low-Income Families

Certain opportunities are only available to those who can access them online, but obtaining a computer and high-speed internet is cost-prohibitive, especially for low-income families. The resulting digital divide creates a growing gap between the benefits of the internet and financially struggling families. The following lists contain resources aimed at connecting low-income families in Boston with the digital technology they need to achieve their remote learning goals: 

Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Boston

• Boston Public Schools (BPS): In partnership with Tech Goes Home, Boston Public Schools has committed to providing a Chromebook to all BPS students who lack access to a reliable computer at home. Once you receive the device, you can log in using your BPS Gmail account and password. 
• PCs for People: Eligible low-income families in Boston can buy a professionally refurbished laptop starting at $100 through the PCs for People online store. Applicants falling under the 200 percent poverty level will need to provide a valid form of identification and documentation showing their level of necessity to gain access to these discounts.
• Internet Essentials by Comcast: Boston residents who subscribe to an Internet Essentials internet plan from Xfinity for $9.95 per month qualify to buy a low-cost, professionally refurbished computer through Comcast’s Affordable Internet at Home program. It’s easy to get started, as the application is all done online.

If you’d rather not wait for an application for a low-cost computer program, or you don’t meet the low-income eligibility criteria, you may find a great deal on a professionally refurbished computer at one of the following used computer stores in Boston: 

• Micro Center
• The Computer Loft
• ICG Computer

Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Boston

The internet is a treasure chest containing thousands of fascinating websites, many with the potential to supplement learning when monitored by parents and guardians. The best part is that a substantial number of those gems are free or offered at a reduced price to families in need. The following organizations in Boston provide educational programming to learners of all ages for a low cost or free: 

• Boston Public Library: Books are only where the fun starts at the Boston Public Library. Library cardholding individuals can engage in a variety of informational and fun virtual events, receive K-8 tutoring from high school student volunteers, and stream hundreds of movies and shows, all online and all for free. 
• Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston: Viewing art in person at the MFA is not the only way to find artistic inspiration. Young learners can follow along with weekly MFA Playdates at Home, while older children can browse through online collections, videos featuring various artists and curators, and Lonely Palette podcast episodes.
• Museum of Science (MOS), Boston: The aspiring scientists in your home will find a fascinating collection of science videos made with them in mind on the #MOSatHome page. Join in on a livestream about an array of science topics, or check out the content later on the MOS YouTube channel. 
• Boston Children’s Museum: Dedicated to fostering a love of learning through play, the Boston Children’s Museum offers free resources and activities to keep tinkering, growing minds working at home.
• Boys and Girls Clubs (BGCB) of Boston: The BGCB of Boston dedicates itself to creating a safe place for children of all backgrounds to connect, including online. The BCGB Blog is full of free videos, recipes, and tutorials instructing students on topics ranging from coding to cooking. 

Free Wireless Internet Access in Boston

• City of Boston Wicked Free Wi-Fi Locations
• Map of Boston Public Library Branches
• Wifimap.io Map of Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in Boston

The City of Boston created the Wicked Free Wi-Fi program to make it possible for Bostonians to use free Wi-Fi while on the go. You can connect to Wicked Free Wi-Fi outdoors near one of the following landmarks by selecting the “WickedFreeWifi” network from your device:

• Tobin Community Center
• Vine Street Community Center
• Shelburne Community Center
• Boston Latin Academy
• Holmes Elementary School

Thanks to the goodwill of local businesses, the City of Boston isn’t the only entity making Wi-Fi publicly available at no cost. Check out our free Wi-Fi coverage map below to learn more details about various establishments in Boston offering free Wi-Fi:

Free Wireless Internet Access in Boston, MA

700 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02215

122 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02116

41 Berkeley Street

Boston, MA 02116

1140 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02215

530 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02215

320 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02115

1 City Hall Road

Boston, MA 02201

8 The Fenway

Boston, MA 02215

121 Bay State Road

Boston, MA 02215

111 Cummington Street

Boston, MA 02215