Low-Cost Internet & Phone Services
By Find It Cambridge
This list contains several programs that provide low-cost or free internet and phone services to low-income households and individuals, including the Lifeline Program and Comcast Internet Essentials.

This is an ongoing program.
MADTC Consumer Hotline can be reached Monday-Friday 9 AM to 5PM
Comcast Internet Essentials operate from 8 AM to Midnight (EST), seven days a week.
If you are an existing Internet Essentials customers please call 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489).
Ages: Adults.
Certain eligibility requirements apply. You may qualify for Internet Essentials if:
- You are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others.
- You do not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Families with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible.
- You live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available.
- You are not an existing Xfinity Internet customer and have not subscribed to Xfinity Internet in the last 90 days.
Contact
Consumer Hotline
consumer.complaints@mass.gov
(800) 392-6066
Main Office & Electronic Filings
dtc.efiling@mass.gov
(617) 305-3580
Application required
- Sign-up is ongoing
Apply to Lifeline Program Here!
Lifeline Program is waiving 3-month verification of proof of income until June 30, 2020. Consumers can prove income in other ways such as application or verification of unemployment.
Comcast Internet Essentials will receive applications until June 30, 2020. Apply to Internet Essentials Here!
Cost
Lifeline Programs:
The amount of data, the services, and the amount of minutes/messages varies per program. View the Lifeline Fact Sheet about to read about each plan.
Comcast Internet Essentials:
Costs vary per person and plan. Affordable internet plans start at $9.95 per month plus tax.
- Sliding scale based on income
- Free for some residents
Location
The program serves people at their homes or wherever it is needed or online.
- Both in-person and virtual (online or over the phone).
You can use this tool to search for the specific Lifeline Providers that are available in your community: Companies Near Me
Additional information
Massachusetts Lifeline Program:
There are two ways to qualify for the Lifeline Program: income-based eligibility or program-based eligibility. Learn more here:
Comcast Internet Essentials:
In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Internet Essentials will increase speeds from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps for all customers. This will happen automatically - no action is required. New customers will also receive two months of free service. Click here for more details.
Last updated September 12, 2022.