1. Mediacom's Connect2Compete (C2C)

Mediacom Connect2Compete (C2C) is among the major programs providing families that have school-age children with inexpensive internet. Families that qualify can receive high-speed internet for a mere $9.95 per month, with no charges for installation or renting equipment. Families must have a child in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or meet income guidelines in order to qualify for this benefit. Mediacom's C2C offers homework and online learning without the financial strain.

2. Altice Advantage Internet

Likewise, Altice Advantage Internet, available from Optimum and Suddenlink, is offering 30 Mbps internet for free to eligible K-12 students and their families. The program doesn't stop at students—seniors, veterans, and eligible low-income people receiving government aid (like SNAP or Medicaid) may also apply. Altice gets rid of those upfront costs and gives a free Wi-Fi router so families can more simply stay connected without any surprise fees.

3. Eagle Communications' C2C Program

Another important resource for rural and underserved areas is Eagle Communications' C2C Program. Eagle's C2C, as with Mediacom's, is for low-cost internet ($9.95 a month) for families of children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Eagle Communications specializes in providing affordable, dependable broadband connectivity to communities that might otherwise not have affordable access to high-speed internet, assuring that students and families are not cut off from essential online resources.

4. ACP

For those deals not connected with a specific provider, the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program can provide additional cost reductions, including a $30/month discount on internet bills (or $75/month on Tribal lands). Many internet service providers — including those mentioned above — participate in the ACP program, which means that qualified households could receive internet service for free through the program if they add ACP to the service they currently have.