Astound Internet First: $9.95 and $19.95 Low-Income Plans, Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Astound Broadband's Internet First program gives qualifying low-income households home internet for $9.95 a month at up to 50 Mbps, or $19.95 a month at up to 150 Mbps, as of October 2026. The first month is free, Wi-Fi and installation are included, and there's no contract or data cap. Since the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024, plans like this are one of the few ways to get reliable home internet for under $20. Here's what Internet First includes, who qualifies and how to sign up.

Astound Internet First plans and prices

Prices are as listed in October 2026, apply to a single outlet and don't include taxes. Astound's regular internet plans start at about $30 a month, so Internet First can save a qualifying household $10 to $20 or more every month. See what you actually pay for Astound for regular plan pricing and fees.

Which plan should you pick?

The 50 Mbps plan handles email, school assignments, video calls and HD streaming on one or two devices. If several people are online at once, or you have kids doing homework while someone else streams, the 150 Mbps plan is worth the extra $10 a month.

What's included with Internet First

• No contract, credit check or data caps: you can use as much data as you need and cancel without an early termination fee.
• Free installation and activation: standard professional installation is included at no charge.
• Wi-Fi included: the plan comes with a standard modem and Wi-Fi so you can connect phones, laptops and TVs without renting extra equipment.
• A free mobile line for a year: for a limited time, Astound adds one Unlimited mobile line, shown as a $40 monthly credit on your bill for 12 months. Astound Mobile requires Astound Internet, and regular rates apply after the year is up.

Premium equipment, faster speed tiers, TV and other add-ons cost extra and may require a credit check.

Who qualifies for Astound Internet First

Internet First is for new residential customers at an address served by one of Astound's networks, which include Grande, RCN and Wave. Your household needs to meet one of these conditions:

• Someone in the home takes part in a public assistance program such as the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP or SSI.
• Your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, based on household size.
• A student in the home receives federal financial aid, such as a Pell Grant, a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, a TEACH Grant or an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. A student ID or award letter can serve as proof.

You also can't have subscribed to any Astound service in the 60 days before you apply. Astound says the program is a good fit for seniors, students, active military, veterans and families. If your household later stops qualifying, regular rates apply.

How to apply for Astound Internet First

1. Check your address: enter your street address on Astound's Internet First site to confirm service is available.
2. Gather your documents: you'll need a photo ID and proof of eligibility, such as a benefits letter, a school lunch approval letter, an income document or a student aid award letter.
3. Apply online: upload your documents and submit the application.
4. Schedule installation: once you're approved, set up your free installation. If you'd rather do it yourself, our guide to self-installing Astound internet walks through the steps.

How Internet First compares with other low-income internet plans

Most big providers now run their own discount programs, and the details vary by price, speed and eligibility rules. Our guides to low-income internet through Spectrum and low-income internet through Xfinity cover two of the largest, and how to get free or cheap internet rounds up the rest. You can also see Astound plans and coverage on our Astound Broadband provider page.

If Astound isn't available where you live

Astound's cable and fiber networks cover parts of 13 states, so many rural households are outside its footprint. Satellite internet reaches almost every address with a clear view of the sky:

• Starlink: low-orbit satellite service. Residential plans were $55, $85 and $130 a month as of October 2026, according to Starlink's plan pages, plus equipment. Our Starlink guide covers setup and speeds.
• Viasat: Viasat downloads through RSINC are guaranteed at least 80 Mbps, while upload speeds can reach 3 to 5 Mbps. Its newest satellite is running faster than the download floor during its first year. Plans start at $39.99 a month for the first 12 months, plus a $15 monthly equipment lease, as of October 2026. See how much Viasat costs.
• Hughesnet: plans start at $39.99 a month for the first 12 months with autopay, as of October 2026, with a 12- or 24-month term and equipment extra. Our guide to Hughesnet data limits explains how its Priority Data works.

Starlink has also offered reduced pricing in some programs; see Starlink low-income internet options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Astound Internet First cost?

As of October 2026, Internet First is $9.95 a month for speeds up to 50 Mbps or $19.95 a month for up to 150 Mbps. Where 150 Mbps isn't available, Astound offers 100 Mbps instead. Taxes are extra, and the first month of service is free.

Who qualifies for Astound Internet First?

New Astound customers whose household takes part in a public assistance program such as the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP or SSI, or whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Students with federal aid such as a Pell Grant can also qualify. You can't have had Astound service in the 60 days before you apply.

Is there a contract, credit check or data cap?

No. Astound says Internet First has no contract, no credit check and no data caps, and installation, activation and Wi-Fi are included.

Does Internet First include a free phone line?

Yes, for a limited time. Astound includes one Unlimited mobile line free for a year, applied as a $40 monthly bill credit for 12 months. Astound Mobile requires Astound Internet, and standard rates apply after the promo period.

Can current Astound customers switch to Internet First?

Not right away. The program is for new customers only, and you must not have subscribed to Astound services for at least 60 days before you apply.

What if Astound doesn't serve my address?

Other providers run their own low-income plans, and satellite reaches nearly every address. Call 1-877-697-2926 and we'll check every affordable plan where you live.