Best Internet Providers in Philadelphia, PA

Internet Resources for Low-Income Families in Philadelphia

Being connected is essential to modern life; not having access to the internet in Philadelphia can cause you and your family to fall behind. This digital divide can leave low-income families unable to excel at work or even in school. We assembled this list of digital resources to help low-income families in the Philly area find the computers and internet access they need.

Discounted Distance Learning Devices

• The School District of Philadelphia: The School District of Philadelphia has a one-to-one laptop loaner program for students in the public school system. Students can access a free Chromebook on loan for the entire school year.
• NERDiT: This Delaware-based organization distributes low-cost desktops and laptops to low-income communities in Philadelphia. They also operate an online shop with deeply discounted prices.
• TeamChildren: This organization refurbishes PCs to distribute to children in need. These computers come preloaded with learning programs that can help children in school. Children and their families can access these devices through a simple application process, but it does involve a small fee.

Local Refurbished or Discounted Devices 

• Cheap Computers Philly (Unlock Gadget)
• CompuWorld
• JEM Computers

Remote Learning Programs

• WHYY: Local PBS station WHYY offers a Bring the Classroom Home program, where children can access free learning resources and broadcast educational content without the internet. These resources are applicable to kids of all ages and grade levels.
• Department of Human Services: The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services runs a Child Care Works program to subsidize both in-person and virtual child care for low-income families. Families can apply for the program online at this link.
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, or PAFA for short, offers free art education workshops for the whole family, in addition to some low-cost classes.

Free Wireless Internet Access in Philadelphia

The U.S. Census states that almost 25 percent of households in the Philly area don’t have broadband service. For those without internet at home, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi at some of the most popular cultural locations in the city, from sports arenas to art museums:

• Mann Center for the Performing Arts
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Wells Fargo Center
• Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing

If you’d like to see more free Wi-Fi spots in the city, review our free Wi-Fi map:

Free Wireless Internet Access in Philadelphia, PA

5501 Old York Rd

Philadelphia, PA 19141

6611 Ridge Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19128

2375 Welsh Road

Philadelphia, PA 19114

4000 Powelton Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19104

3620 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

1622 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

2147 N 6th St

Philadelphia, PA 19122

3263 N Front St FL 2

Philadelphia, PA 19133

520 W Venango

Philadelphia, PA 19140

201 Spring Garden Street

Philadelphia, PA 19123