Many kids still don\u2019t have reliable internet at home, which makes it hard to keep up with schoolwork.Internet can be too expensive or unavailable in some areas, but there are free or low-cost options that can help.Families can take steps like using library Wi-Fi, asking schools for help, or checking for special programs to stay connected.<\/p>\n
When the pandemic hit and schools shut down, it exposed a long-standing issue: millions of kids across the country do not have access to reliable internet in order to do their school work. Even before 2020, families often struggled silently, relying on libraries, community centers, or fast food parking lots for Wi-Fi. And while everyone is now more aware that this inequity exists, families are still struggling\u2014and it may even be growing.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cRemote learning [or doing homework at home] is only as good as your ability to ensure that students have meaningful access to the internet,\u201d says Noelle Ellerson Ng<\/a>, chief advocacy and governance officer for AASA, The School Superintendents Association. \u201cAnd one of the uncomfortable realities that existed pretty broadly even before the pandemic is something that we call the homework gap. On any given day prior to COVID, upwards of a quarter of our nation’s kids were going home to houses that didn’t have internet access at home, which essentially rendered them unable to assess their learning.\u201d\n<\/p>\n That problem hasn’t gone away. Students are still struggling to access meaningful, affordable internet so that they can complete their assignments, study for tests<\/a>, and collaborate with others on upcoming projects.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe internet has become the basis for communication and with the homework<\/a> gap, [more than] a quarter of the nation’s 50 million public school students are unable to continue education at home,\u201d says Ellerson Ng. \u201cTwenty-four hour learners need 24 hour access.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Why Internet Access Can Be So Costly for Families <\/p>\n Many families face barriers to high-speed internet due to financial and structural challenges, says Anthony Mignella, MS<\/a>, superintendent of Baldwin Union Free School District on Long Island, New York. \u201cHigh monthly service rates can place a significant strain on household budgets, particularly for families already managing other essential expenses. In addition, hidden fees, installation costs, and equipment charges can make internet access even less affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond cost, Mignella says there are also access issues. \u201cSome neighborhoods still lack reliable broadband infrastructure, creating inequities where families cannot get service even if they can afford it. For others, limited plan options, restrictive data caps, or inconsistent coverage can make it difficult for students to fully participate in online learning and school-related activities.\u201d\n<\/p>\n In fact, research commissioned by T-Mobile found that three in 10 parents feel their home internet is somewhat unreliable and 24% have had to cut back on essentials like food or utilities just to afford access. Even device reliability can hinder kids<\/a> from getting online and further broaden the digital divide among students.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n A survey conducted by Snapdragon and Wakefield Research found nearly 88% of students say their laptop has \u201cbetrayed\u201d them by lagging, crashing, or even dying at the most inopportune times. When that happens, 67% of teens say their malfunctioning laptop<\/a> ruins their entire day. This poor performance has led to missed assignments or even lost work.\n<\/p>\n Consequences of the Digital Divide <\/p>\n Students need reliable access to complete homework, participate in virtual learning, collaborate with classmates, and access essential resources like digital textbooks, library databases, and tutoring tools, says Sam Helmick<\/a>, 2025-2026 president of the American Library Association. \u201cWithout it, children fall behind in academics and families struggle to stay connected with teachers, schools, and community support. In today\u2019s world, internet access is as vital as electricity or running water for a child\u2019s education.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Research shows that middle and high school students without home internet take longer to complete homework assignments, have lower grade-point averages, and are less likely to interact with others outside of the classroom. They often don’t email teachers to ask questions, check their grades, or collaborate with other students.\n<\/p>\n The digital divide also can impact kids and their pursuit of college or trade schools<\/a> after high school. Not only do they typically score lower on college entrance exams, they are also less likely to earn scholarships. And, for students taking college courses at home, this could mean lower grades, missed assignments, lack of interaction with peers and professors, and poorer digital literacy skills.\n<\/p>\n Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Internet Plans <\/p>\n During the pandemic, the federal government helped families with programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offered eligible households a discount on their monthly internet or wireless plan, and a one-time discount on devices like a laptop or tablet. But, in June 2024, millions of people lost that benefit, says Ellerson Ng. Without this program, finding affordable and reliable internet access has become more of a challenge.\n<\/p>\n Fortunately, there are a few programs that offer assistance to students who qualify, like those who participate in assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program<\/a>, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and others. Some of the more prominent internet programs to explore include:\n<\/p>\n For instance, T-Mobile\u2019s program offers up to 200 gigabytes of free service per year for five years, says Brigitta Witt<\/a>, vice president of corporate responsibility and sustainability for T-Mobile. That\u2019s enough for one of the following\u2014280 hours of streaming school videos, 640 hours of virtual learning, 10,000 hours of internet research, or 400 hours of online college prep, she says.\n<\/p>\n \u201cAs a company that\u2019s in the business of connecting people, we just didn\u2019t think it was right for a kid\u2019s education to be limited by an inability to afford the internet,\u201d says Witt. \u201cBecause let\u2019s face it, when the bell rings at school, education doesn\u2019t stop. There\u2019s a lot of work that happens after school\u2026And so the digital divide has become a really prominent issue and we knew that we could really help put a dent in the problem.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Other Resources That Can Help Families Get Online <\/p>\n If you don\u2019t qualify for existing programs, there are still ways to access free Wi-Fi. Public libraries, city or county programs, and digital inclusion nonprofits can help. Some school districts are even equipping buses with Wi-Fi hot spots or loaning devices to families, says Ellerson Ng.\n<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps there’s a commission at your local or state level that could have resources that you could navigate,\u201d she says. \u201cOne of the easiest things to do is to perhaps be a little bit vulnerable and call your provider and say, \u2018Listen, I’m unable to afford this. What are the options available to me because I do need this. This is about my child’s educational opportunity.\u2019\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n While providers may not always be able to help, they often have customer service lines that can direct families to available programs, says Ellerson Ng. \u201cThat might be a quick way to start too.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Tips for Cutting Internet Costs Without Changing Providers <\/p>\n According to Witt, one in four parents are cutting essentials like food and utilities to pay for internet. \u201cOur research is showing that the digital divide is actually growing as opposed to getting smaller.\u201d\n<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, research shows affordability is the biggest barrier, disproportionately impacting low-income, Black, and Latinx families. Yet only about 17% of eligible families are enrolled in broadband affordability programs, due to lack awareness, trust issues, or enrollment challenges.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Here are some practical tips our experts recommend for cutting internet costs without switching providers:\n<\/p>\n Ask your school administrators or social workers about mobile hot spotsCheck your local library for loaner hot spots Use free Wi-Fi at libraries, community centers, and fast food establishmentsDetermine if you are eligible for programs from national service providersCompare plans, negotiate with your provider, or downgrade to internet-onlyAvoid paying for high speeds that you don\u2019t needBudget usage to limit overages or limit usage to strictly schoolwork\u00a0Share internet cost with neighbors or family Provide your own modem and router to avoid rental feesAsk your employer if they offer benefits or internet plans<\/p>\n \u201cNearly every public library in the U.S. offers free Wi-Fi, public computers, and increasingly Wi-Fi hotspots families can borrow and use at home,\u201d says Helmick. \u201cLibrary staff across the country routinely help community members compare plans, complete eligibility forms, and troubleshoot technical questions.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Getting Online Safely Without Home Wi-Fi <\/p>\n