Technology is rapidly increasing, and gaining internet access is necessary for people. Typically, you can find information on anything from the internet ranging from education, company-related information, and employment to medical information. Free internet is a great opportunity for low-income households who cannot afford the luxury of purchasing internet packages from internet service providers in New Mexico. You can get free internet in New Mexico through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program.
The US Federal Government offers free internet to eligible low-income customers who apply through the programs mentioned earlier. In this case, you must meet the income and participation-based criteria. Moreover, it would help if you enrolled in a service provider offering free internet in New Mexico through Lifeline and ACP. These telecommunication providers include Xfinity and Easy Wireless. You can also get free internet from non-governmental organizations such as EveryoneOn, and Human-I-T, among others.
To qualify for ACP, you must have an annual income of 200% or less of the federal poverty guidelines for the Affordable Connectivity program. However, for Lifeline, you must have an annual income of 135% or under the federal poverty guidelines. You also must be a participant in a government-aided program such as Medicaid. Moreover, you must provide legal documents as proof of eligibility. This article guides on how to get free internet in New Mexico.
Who Is Eligible For Free Internet New Mexico
To qualify for free internet in New Mexico, you must be enrolled in a Lifeline or ACP Federal Communication Commission (FCC) managed program whose eligibility is as discussed below.
Eligibility For Free Internet New Mexico Based On Lifeline
You must have an annual income of have an annual household income of 135% or less of the federal poverty guidelines.
Based on participation, you are eligible for free internet in New Mexico if you participate in these government-aided programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Infants, Women, and Children (WIC)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You are qualified for free internet New Mexico if you live in tribal land and participate in any of the following government-aided programs:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Income-based Head Start
Eligibility for free internet in New Mexico via ACP
- Income Based
You are qualified for free internet in New Mexico based on income if you have an annual income of 200% or less of the federal poverty guidelines for the Affordable Connectivity program.
- Based On Tribal Land And Participation In Government Aided Programs
Eligibility Based On Participation
You are eligible for free internet if you participate in a government-aided program. These programs are listed below:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Infants, Women, and Children (WIC)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
You are also qualified for free government internet in New Mexico if you reside in a Tribal land and you are a participant in these government-aided programs:
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start( income based)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
What Documents Do I Need For Eligibility Proof
You are required to provide legal documents as proof of eligibility. These documents are illustrated below.
To start with, you must provide identification documents which include the following:
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Birth Certificate
- Permanent Resident Cards or Green card
- US Passport
- Valid US Driver’s license
- US Government, Military, State or Tribal issued ID, and it must be valid
If you qualify for free internet based on participation, you need these documents for proof of eligibility:
- Statement of benefits
- School documentation
- Benefit award letter
- Benefit verification letter
- Approval letter
You will be required to offer the following documents as proof of eligibility for free internet based on income:
- Unemployment/Workmen’s Compensation statement of benefit
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
- The previous year’s state, tribal, or federal tax return
- Retirement/pension statement of benefits
- Tribal or Federal participation notice letter in General Assistance
- Child support award or divorce decree
- Veteran Administration Statement of Benefits
- Retirement/pension statement of benefits
- An employer’s recent income statement or paycheck stub
Free Internet Application Process
You can easily apply for free internet by following these easy steps:
- Ensure that you qualify for Lifeline and ACP. You can confirm this by visiting the national verifier website.
- Eligible, locate a service provider offering free internet services by Lifeline or ACP.
- Then apply for free internet through your desired service provider’s official website.
- Be ready to provide legal documents for eligibility proof and your personal information.
Best Free Internet Service Providers
1. Xfinity Mobile
This company provides free internet to its eligible customers. However, you must be enrolled in ACP by meeting income and participation eligibility. Moreover, you must provide legal documents as proof of qualification.
To apply, visit Xfinity’s official website and enter your zip code. You will provide your details and legal documents. Alternatively, you may call Xfinity customer care services at 1-800-934-6489. You will be guided by the agent on how to apply for free internet.
2. Easy wireless
Easy Wireless is a telecommunication company that participates in government-aided programs like Lifeline and ACP. Through these programs, eligible customers enjoy free internet and excellent data plans of unlimited talk, text, and data, depending on their desired plan.
To apply for free internet with easy wireless, visit the official website and submit your email address and zip code. Then on the redirected page, enter your personal information and attach the required legal documents before you submit. Alternatively, you may be guided by Easy Wireless customer care agents on the application process. You can reach the agent at (877) 476-3451.
Other Ways To Get Free Internet Services
1. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
You can gain access to free internet through non-governmental organizations. These are nonprofit programs that aid low-income households to get internet access. These organizations aim to provide affordable internet, especially for students. They ensure remote learning and the availability of information to students. These organizations include Devices for Students, EveryoneOn, Human-I-T, and PCs for People.
2. Free Internet With Mesh Networks
A mesh network involves merging WIFI routers to act as a single source of the network. This method is among the ideal ways to get free internet. Its major drawback is that the band may be low because of the transfer of information from one wireless router to another within range.
Bottom Line
You can get free internet if you are enrolled in Lifeline and ACP. The requirement entails meeting an income within the Federal Poverty Threshold or participation in a government program. You are also required to give legal documents as proof of eligibility. You must enroll in a service provider like Easy Wireless and Xfinity to apply for free internet.
