The Old Mac Gang looks at what it actually costs to get online and how to stop paying gigabit prices for email.
SECTION 1 — How Much Do You Need, and What Are You Paying?
Save Money on Internet (Senior Planet from AARP)
https://seniorplanet.org/save-money-on-internet
Free Zoom classes, 400+ in-person partner sites, and a handout on reading a pricing sheet. The best "where do I send my mother" answer on the list.
Internet for Seniors: Best Plans and Discounts (HighSpeedInternet.com)
https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/internet-for-seniors
AARP does not sell internet, and most providers have no senior discount. Call instead of ordering online — agents can apply breaks the website never shows.
Best Internet Service for Seniors in 2026 (SeniorLiving.org)
https://www.seniorliving.org/internet/best/
Ranked on price, service, and reliability instead of top-end speed. Ask the neighbors — coverage is block by block.
If You're Paying for Fast Wi-Fi, Make Sure You're Getting It (AARP)
https://www.aarp.org/personal-technology/internet-speed-test/
Run a speed test against the bill. Most "slow internet" is a tired router, not the plan. One or two people on email and streaming are fine at 50-100 Mbps.
SECTION 2 — Help With the Bill After the ACP Went Away
Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
$9.25 a month off phone or internet, up to $34.25 on Tribal lands. Qualify by income or Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, housing, or Veterans Pension. Renew yearly or lose it.
Find Low-Cost Internet Offers in Your Area (EveryoneOn)
https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers
Enter a ZIP, check the boxes, get the real plans at that address — plus discounted refurbished computers and free basics training.
Best Internet Providers for Seniors (BroadbandNow)
https://broadbandnow.com/guides/seniors
Xfinity Internet Essentials, Spectrum Internet Assist, Cox ConnectAssist, AT&T Access. Watch the new-customer-only trap for long-time subscribers.
A Guide to Free Internet for Seniors (TheSeniorList)
https://www.theseniorlist.com/internet/free/
The blunt version: there is no free internet for seniors, and the $30 ACP credit ended June 1, 2024. What's left is a patchwork that changes by ZIP code.
SECTION 3 — Which Connection, and Who Fixes It at 9 PM?
FCC National Broadband Map
https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/
Every provider reporting service at a street address, with technology and speeds. Free, no signup, no sales call. Also check the mobile coverage map.
Best Fixed Wireless & 5G Home Internet Providers of 2026 (CompareInternet)
https://www.compareinternet.com/fixed-wireless-internet/
100-300 Mbps, $35-$70, no contract, no data caps, self-install in minutes. Verizon's Frontier deal closed in January 2026, so Fios is on the table in new places.
5G Home Internet vs. Cable (InternetProviders.ai)
https://www.internetproviders.ai/resources/5g-home-internet-vs-cable/
5G wins on price and simplicity; cable wins at 8 PM. No contract means you can try it for a month. Check the phone for 5G bars first.
How to Negotiate Your Internet Bill (BroadbandNow)
https://broadbandnow.com/guides/how-to-negotiate-your-internet-bill-for-best-deal
Ask for retention by name. Buy your own modem and stop the $10-$15 rental. Call mid-morning Tuesday through Thursday. Downgrading speed is the underrated move.
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