Schools now teach primarily in person, but digital learning is embedded: hybrid-by-design courses, LMS-backed resources, and remote options are standard. Higher education data show a durable shift—about half of U.S. students took at least one distance course and roughly a quarter studied fully online in Fall 2022 (NCES/IPEDS). K–12 systems emphasize resilient access and inclusive design aligned to the National Educational Technology Plan.
Today, roughly 2–3 million K–12 students still lack any internet at home—about 3–5% depending on how it’s measured—while an even larger group is “underconnected,” relying on smartphone-only service or sharing limited devices. These findings are reflected across the NTIA Internet Use Survey (2023), the 2023 ACS S2801 for households with children, and NCES indicators (latest release published 2024). NCES has also reported that a notable share of children lack a desktop or laptop at home, reinforcing that device gaps persist alongside connectivity. With the FCC confirming the Affordable Connectivity Program’s wind‑down and end of benefits (ACP), affordability remains a key risk. School districts and some of the best internet providers are coordinating low‑cost plans, hotspots, community Wi‑Fi, and digital navigator support to keep students connected.
Pandemic-era freebies have ended, and providers now emphasize ongoing low‑income plans, address‑based promos, and fixed‑wireless home internet with price guarantees. For students, the four primary home access types are fiber, cable, fixed wireless (5G Home), and satellite. If fiber is available, it’s generally the best performance value; cable is widely available; fixed wireless offers simple pricing and quick setup; and low‑Earth‑orbit satellite can serve unserved or remote households. Check the FCC National Broadband Map and provider address checkers—such as AT&T Fiber, Xfinity Internet, Spectrum Internet, Verizon 5G Home, and T‑Mobile Home Internet—to see what’s actually offered at your address.
AT&T
AT&T now focuses on two main home options. AT&T Fiber advertises symmetrical plans (commonly 300 Mbps to multi‑gig tiers like 2 and 5 Gbps) with equipment included, no annual contract, and no data caps (AT&T Fiber). For addresses without fiber, AT&T Internet Air is a fixed‑wireless (5G) home offer with unlimited data, included equipment, and AutoPay pricing (AT&T Internet Air). Availability and pricing vary by address.
AT&T also maintains the low‑income program Access from AT&T. With the end of the federal ACP benefit (ACP wind‑down), households should verify current eligibility and local speed/price options on AT&T’s site. Programs like Access are intended to preserve affordability for qualifying families, including those participating in SNAP, the National School Lunch or Head Start programs, or receiving SSI.
AT&T is available in 21 states, with fiber and fixed‑wireless availability differing block‑by‑block. For accurate plan names, speeds, and data‑policy details, confirm at your specific address on AT&T Fiber or Internet Air.
Xfinity (Comcast)
For university students specifically, Xfinity continues seasonal student promos (e.g., bill credits or gift cards) that require student verification and new‑customer status; terms vary by market. Xfinity also offers low‑income internet through its Internet Essentials program, which serves eligible households receiving public assistance such as Medicaid, SSI, the NSLP, Housing Assistance, and others. Data policy note: unlimited data typically requires adding xFi Complete; otherwise regional data plan rules may apply (Xfinity Unlimited Data).
Xfinity is one of the largest cable internet providers with a multi‑state footprint. Plan names, data policy, and promo terms vary by location; use Xfinity’s address checker to confirm available tiers and whether unlimited data is included or add‑on in your market (Xfinity Internet).
Spectrum (Charter Communications)
Spectrum is offering widely available cable internet with no annual contracts and no data caps. New‑customer promos typically include a first‑year price, modem included; Wi‑Fi router service may be an added charge unless you bring your own. Many markets also feature Spectrum One bundles that combine Internet + Advanced WiFi + an Unlimited Mobile line for 12 months for eligible new customers (offer details vary by address).
Spectrum is available in 41 states, with address‑level availability and speeds that vary by market. Check your exact location for tier names and current promo terms (Spectrum Internet).
Optimum and Suddenlink (Altice)
During the pandemic, both Optimum and Suddenlink, under Altice, were offering new customers temporary free internet. In 2025, those emergency offers have been retired in favor of standard address‑based plans and ongoing low‑income options. Branding and availability have consolidated under Optimum in many areas; families should check current offers and eligibility at their specific address on the provider’s site and compare against other available technologies (fiber, cable, fixed wireless, satellite) using the FCC National Broadband Map.
Optimum is available in parts of the Northeast and select markets elsewhere, while Suddenlink’s legacy footprint was primarily in the South and West; many former Suddenlink markets now use the Optimum brand. Availability, speeds, and pricing are highly address‑specific—verify with the provider’s lookup tool and compare against local fiber, 5G Home, or satellite options for unserved pockets.
Cox Communications
Cox offers a range of cable internet plans with introductory pricing that varies by location, and self‑install is widely available. Historical relief statements (e.g., a coronavirus relief post) have been superseded by standard promos; check Cox’s site for current plan names, equipment terms, and any bundle discounts in your area.
The company also has a low‑income internet program, Connect2Compete, for eligible families with K‑12 children (e.g., NSLP/SNAP and certain housing assistance). With ACP benefits ended (FCC ACP page), qualifying households should review current Cox program terms and available speeds in their market; some details vary by location and time.
Cox is available in 19 states, with the strongest coverage in parts of Arizona, California, and Virginia. As with other providers, confirm address‑level availability, tier names, and data‑policy details before enrolling.
Historically, Google is working with state partners to support students with devices and connectivity. Today, in select metros, Google Fiber offers straightforward residential plans with symmetrical 1, 2, 5, and 8 Gig speeds and no data caps where available (Google Fiber plans). Availability is limited to specific cities—check your address for current options.
Schools are helping, too
Districts have institutionalized several approaches. Some are still deploying WiFi-enabled school buses as mobile study hubs, which is now supported under the FCC’s “Learn Without Limits” modernization making bus Wi‑Fi E‑Rate eligible (FCC). Others run district/private LTE or 5G networks over CBRS to extend coverage with managed SIM security (OnGo/CBRS), and upgrade campus/community Wi‑Fi toward Wi‑Fi 6/6E/7 for higher density and lower latency (Wi‑Fi 7). Many pair connectivity with digital navigator services to improve enrollment and sustained use (NDIA), and partner with providers for LTE/5G hotspots as needed (district/provider device partnerships).
Students seeking internet access should check with their district, university, and local internet provider for resources, including low‑income plans and community access. If no wired or 5G option is reliable at home, address‑level lookups on the FCC National Broadband Map can confirm whether satellite or fixed‑wireless alternatives are advisable for your location.
