Broadband Access for Affordable Housing

Expanding reliable internet access in Rhode Island communities

Low-Cost Internet and Device Options in Rhode Island

High-speed internet is a necessity for employment, education, day-to-day tasks, telemedicine visits and staying in touch with friends and family. Below is a list of low-cost internet, and device, options in Rhode Island that we hope can help you stay connected. RIHousing is providing these as a courtesy, but do not have any connections to these providers. For more information, please contact the providers directly.

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Cox

Low-Cost Student Internet

Connect2Compete package

Benefit: $9.95/month Wi-Fi

LOW-COST INTERNET PLAN – ConnectAssist package

Benefit: $30/month Internet

  • Available to households who participate in an income based government assistance program, including: SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, TANF, Head Start, WIC, LIHEAP, federal public housing programs (including HCVP), LIfeline, veterans benefits and survivor benefits, SSI, Federal Pell Grant.

Learn more, check eligibility, and apply >

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Verizon Forward

Benefit:

  • Internet as low as $20/month through the Verizon Forward program
  • Available to households that:
  • Participated in one of the following programs within 180 days of applying:
  • Lifeline Program
  • SNAP, WIC, Medicaid or other programs.
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant within a year of application.
  • If you income your income is 135% of less than the federal poverty guidelines
  • Must verify eligibility and upload requested documentation to apply.

LOW-COST INTERNET PLAN – ConnectAssist package

New and current subscribers: Click here

For more information:

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PCs for People

Internet Benefit:

Purchase a mobile hotspot device for a one-time cost of $70 or $90 and pay $15/month for unlimited mobile internet service.

Program is ongoing

Eligibility – Must meet one of the following criteria:

OR

  • Proof of current enrollment in an income-based government assistance program (such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, Headstart, LIHEAP, Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Federal Pell Grant, National School Lunch Program)

LOW-COST INTERNET PLAN – ConnectAssist package

Device Benefit:

PCs for People also sells refurbished desktop and laptop computers, depending on availability.

Learn more about the programs >

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Rhode Island Public Libraries

  • Most libraries have free Wi-Fi inside and outside of the buildings
  • Most also provide computers for public use in the library.
  • Some libraries have hotspots that library patrons may borrow.
  • Libraries also offer digital literacy training
  • Please contact your local library to become a member and learn what services they provide

Learn more about Ocean State Libraries >

Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities (H3C) Initiative

RIHousing Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities (H3C) Plan
Rhode Island Health and Housing Tool Kit
Rhode Island Health and Housing Took Kit – Appendix A-K

Are you a Newport resident?

Check whether your current residence is located within an eligible census tract.

Newport-Census-Map

Only residents of census tract 405 are eligible for the FirstGenHomeRI pilot program.

The map on the left shows the approximated eligible region.

Unsure if your address is part of the eligible region?

Type in your address below to find out (Include street #, street name, Newport, RI).

Data mapped by PolicyMap, an online GIS mapping tool.

Do you live in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Newport or East Providence?

Check whether your current residence is located within an eligible census tract for application prioritization.

Applications from residents who live in the census tract listed below are prioritized.

Central Falls 44007010900, 44007010800, 44007011100, 44007011000
Pawtucket 44007016000, 44007015300, 44007015100, 44007015200, 44007015500, 44007016600, 44007016700, 44007017000, 44007017100, 44007016100, 44007016400
Newport 44005040500, 44005041100
East Providence 44007010100, 44007010501

Type in your address below to learn if you are in the targeted area. (Include street #, street name, city, RI).