Discover which internet service providers, mobile phone carriers, and organizations help U.S. military members and veterans get low-cost internet and tech.
- Several major internet service providers offer deals and discounts for active military and veterans.
- The Lifeline program provides extended assistance for qualifying groups, including military members and veterans.
- Tech discounts and free or low-cost Wi-Fi networks are alternative ways for military members and veterans to save money.
American military members and veterans serve regular citizens on the frontlines every day, but sometimes they need help themselves. Recent U.S. census numbers indicate that at least 1.2 million military veterans are on the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and 15 percent of active-duty military members rely on food stamps or food banks to support their families. On top of that, the average base salary for an E-4 with four years of service is $38,184, putting them in the category of low-income individuals.
We believe all military service members, whether they’re active or retired, should have equitable access to affordable home services and devices they need to stay connected. We put together the following guide to help military members and veterans find low-cost and discounted internet access, mobile plans and technology such as computers, laptops, and tablets.
Table of Contents
- What Discounted Internet Programs are Available for Active Military Members and Veterans?
- Free or Low-Cost Wi-Fi Hot Spots for Active Military Members and Veterans
- What Discounted Phone Plans are Available for Military Members and Veterans?
- Wireless Plan Discounts for Military Personnel
- Special Phone Programs for Military Personnel Outside of the U.S.
- Free Cell Phones and Calling Cards for Active-Duty Military
- What Technology Discounts are Available for Military Members and Veterans?
- Organizations Offering Discounted Devices and Training to Military Members
- The Lifeline Program for Military Members and Veterans
- How Military Members and Veterans Can Apply for Lifeline
- Lifeline Income Guidelines
- Lifeline Internet Provider Partners
- Free Career Resources for Military Members and Veterans
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Internet, Mobile Plans, and Tech for Military and Veterans
What Discounted Internet Programs Are Available for Active Military Members and Veterans?
Many businesses do their part to support service members by offering substantial discounts, and internet service providers (ISPs) are no exception. Providers like Verizon and Xfinity offer former and active-duty military personnel monthly discounts or special pricing on their internet service. Here are a few popular ISPs providing military pricing on their services:
- Rise Broadband: Active and retired military personnel can receive a 10 percent discount on monthly internet services. This applies to new and existing customers and requires military identification.
- Verizon Fios: Verizon offers its Fios 300 Mbps plan at a military discount for $30 per month (originally $35 per month). Customers can also bundle mobile and home internet and get an additional discount of $15 per month.
- Xfinity Internet: Although Xfinity doesn't strictly offer military pricing on its internet plans, it does offer discounts on mobile plans, streaming services and an automatic upgrade to Xfinity Rewards Diamond, the highest tier available for customers.
Free or Low-Cost Wi-Fi Hot Spots for Active Military Members and Veterans
Moving around often can make it difficult for military members to have dedicated internet access at home. However, Wi-Fi networks around cities are available to veterans and service members free of charge or at a discount. Listed below are some great places for military members and veterans to find free Wi-Fi:
- Boingo: Offering Wi-Fi in over 100 U.S. military locations, Boingo is one of the most popular hotspot options available to U.S. Armed Forces personnel. You can access over one million hot spots with the Boingo Unlimited Plan for just $14.99 per month.
- United Service Organizations airport lounges: Any active-duty member (along with family members) can stop at a USO airport lounge between flights to take a break and use the Wi-Fi free of charge. Use their Find a Center Tool to locate a USO near you or your future destinations.
- The American Legion: The American Legion is a chapter-run organization with posts all over the country. Service members and veterans can gather there and socialize, receive support, and support others in the community. Many local American Legion chapters offer free Wi-Fi at their halls for members. You can use their Find a Post page to find an American Legion post in your area.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars: Like the American Legion, the VFW is a chapter-run organization that provides community, support and volunteerism to veterans and military personnel who have fought overseas. More and more VFW posts are incorporating Wi-Fi in their list of amenities available to members. Use the Find a VFW Post page to locate a VFW post near you.
- Public libraries: Many local libraries across the U.S. offer free internet hotspots or laptops with built-in Wi-Fi for everyone. Information about specific services and login procedures should be available on your public library’s website.
What Discounted Phone Plans Are Available for Military Members and Veterans?
While a home computer and a landline telephone can be helpful, access to an affordable cell phone and mobile phone plan will further help you stay connected. Thankfully, many cellular providers extend discounts to active or retired military personnel for their cell phone service. Here are some of the best wireless plans for military members:
Wireless Plan Discounts for MIlitary Personnel
Wireless plan | Starting price (per line) | Talk | Text | Data | Contract | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$26.99 per month | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | 25 percent off eligible wireless plans | |
$45 per month | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 GB | No | AutoPay discount with any eligible payment | |
$40 per month | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | 15 percent off your plan choice. | |
$25 per month | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | 40 percent off bundled streaming services |
Special Phone Programs for Military Personnel Outside of the U.S.
Some cell phone providers offer programs tailored to military personnel deployed overseas. Boost Mobile, for example, runs a Deployed Military Program that allows service members to keep their phone numbers while deployed overseas without paying any charges or reactivation fees. If you’re interested in enrolling or have any questions, please call their customer service line at (833) 502-6678.
Free Cell Phones and Calling Cards for Active-Duty Military
Several nonprofit organizations in the U.S. raise money to offer active-duty military members free cell phones and calling cards with minutes. Cell Phones for Soldiers refurbishes donated cell phones, smartphones and tablets before distributing them to U.S. military service members. They also collect donations and raise funds to give these military members domestic and internal minutes to stay connected to their loved ones. You can apply for this program through the Cell Phones for Soldiers Programs page and learn about its services in more detail.
What Technology Discounts Are Available for Active Military and Veterans?
With technology constantly changing, it can be hard for military members to keep up with the latest technology and digital education between deployments. A reliable and affordable internet device, like a computer or laptop, is essential to staying connected while at home. Luckily, many organizations provide discounted devices and digital literacy training to active-duty and veteran personnel for little to no cost.
Organizations Offering Discounted Devices and Training to Military Members
Organization | Service | Eligible groups |
|---|---|---|
| Military veterans | |
| Military veterans | |
| Military veterans, National Guard, transitioning active-duty members | |
| American Legion members |
The Lifeline Program for Military Members and Veterans
The FCC Lifeline program allows qualifying subscribers to receive discounts on their monthly bills. Eligible members will be able to get $9.25 off their monthly internet bill or $5.25 per month off their phone bill. While this may not seem like much, it can add up over a year’s time and take a significant chunk out of a low-tier internet or mobile plan.
How Military Members and Veterans Can Apply for Lifeline
If you already qualify for a Veterans and Survivors Benefit Pension or similar qualifying programs, you’re eligible for the Lifeline discount. Enrolling in the program is easy — just follow these steps to start getting your discount on internet or mobile phone plans:
- Apply for the Lifeline program. Visit the Lifeline National Verifier page to find your state and begin the application process. Fill out your contact information and submit your documentation showing your eligibility.
- Pick your internet or mobile provider. Once approved, you have 90 days to pick your internet or mobile provider. The USAC search tool is a good way to find these providers locally.
Lifeline Income Guidelines
Household Size* | Contiguous U.S. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
2 | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
3 | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
4 | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
5 | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
6 | $58,253 | $72,833 | $67,041 |
7 | $65,678 | $82,121 | $75,560 |
8 | $73,103 | $91,409 | $84,105 |
*Only one Lifeline account is allowed per household.
Lifeline Internet Provider Partners
Several internet providers partner with the Lifeline program to offer fast internet at discounted prices. The table below shows many of our favorite internet providers that work with customers through the Lifeline program.
Provider | Starting price (per month) | Data caps | Contracts | Download speeds (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T | $42 | Unlimited | No | 5 Gbps |
Frontier | $29.99 | Unlimited | No | 7 Gbps |
MetroNet | $29.95 | Unlimited | No | 5 Gbps |
Verizon | $34.99 | Unlimited | No | 2 Gbps |
Windstream | $24.99 | Unlimited | No | 2 Gbps |
Free Career Resources for Military Members and Veterans
After serving their time, many military members look to transition back into the swing of things by applying for civilian employment. However, finding jobs that align directly with military roles can be challenging. Below is a list of services helping veterans find careers once they make it back to the mainland:
- LinkedIn Premium: Alongside ID.me, LinkedIn offers U.S. service members and veterans a free one-year subscription to LinkedIn Premium to assist in their new career transition.
- CareerOneStop: Veterans looking for employment, training and financial help can utilize the resources and benefits that this organization provides. It even offers opportunities for apprenticeship, certifications and other forms of education.
- Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes: Through this organization, qualifying service members can take classes related to business skills, enterprise learning, information technology and administrative support.
- Code Platoon: This organization runs coding bootcamp courses for veterans for a small fee when combined with their military scholarship offerings. Veterans can learn how to code and develop their careers in programming.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Internet, Mobile Plans and Tech for Military and Veterans
How do veterans and military members get free or reduced-cost internet?
Eligible veterans and U.S. service members can apply for free or reduced-cost internet through Lifeline or the internet providers themselves.
Which internet providers offer discounts to active-duty military and veterans?
Qualifying active-duty military members and veterans can apply for direct discounts on their internet plans through internet providers such as Verizon or Xfinity. All you have to do is show proof of your eligibility based on your income or enrollment in a federal government assistance program. These include Lifeline, Veterans and Survivors Benefits, Medicaid, SSDI or SNAP.
Which wireless providers offer discounts to active-duty military and veterans?
AT&T, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon all offer discounts on cell phone services to military members. With the T-Mobile Military Essentials plan, you get unlimited talk, text, and data with no contract for $45 per month for one line.
Where can military members and veterans get discounted laptops?
Military veterans and service members can get free or reduced-cost desktops, laptops and tablets from organizations such as Combat Veterans to Careers, Tech for Troops and the American Legion. Tech for Troops even offers computer literacy training for service members aiming to start a new career after their retirement.
Which organizations offer career services to veterans?
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, Code Platoon and LinkedIn are a few avenues that assist veterans with career transitions through digital learning resources, computer courses and job-hunting help. LinkedIn even offers a free year of LinkedIn Premium when you sign up through ID.me.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Internet, Mobile Plans, and Tech for Military and Veterans
How do veterans and military members get free or reduced-cost internet?
Eligible veterans and U.S. service members can apply for free or reduced-cost internet through the ACP, Lifeline, or the internet providers themselves. While the ACP offers $30 off internet plan costs per month, internet provider plans geared toward qualifying individuals are also cheap. Internet Essentials from Comcast is available to any veteran receiving medical disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it provides speeds up to 15 Mbps.
Which internet providers offer discounts to active-duty military and veterans?
Qualifying active-duty military members and veterans can apply for direct discounts on their internet plans through internet providers such as AT&T, Frontier, Verizon, and Xfinity. All you have to do is show proof of your eligibility based on your income or enrollment in a federal government assistance program. These include Lifeline, Veterans and Survivors Benefits, Medicaid, SSDI, or SNAP.
Which wireless providers offer discounts to active-duty military and veterans?
AT&T, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon all offer discounts on cell phone services to military members. With the T-Mobile Magenta Military plan, you get unlimited talk, text, and data with no contract for just $25 per month. They’ll even throw in Netflix Basic and a free smartphone when you sign up for a new line.
Where can military members and veterans get discounted laptops?
Military veterans and service members can get free or reduced-cost desktops, laptops, and tablets from organizations such as Combat Veterans to Careers, Tech for Troops, and the American Legion. Tech for Troops even offers computer literacy training for service members aiming to start a new career after their retirement.
Which organizations offer career services to veterans?
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, Code Platoon, and LinkedIn are a few avenues that assist veterans with career transitions through digital learning resources, courses in computers, and job-hunting help. LinkedIn even offers a free year of LinkedIn Premium when you sign up through ID.me.