Several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are offering free or low-cost internet access options in response to the COVID-19 health emergency. These services are offered in the areas each ISP serves, or as otherwise described.
This listing will be updated as more information becomes available. This list is not guaranteed to be complete, or an endorsement for the companies listed. The PSC is not liable for inaccuracies. If you are aware of any additional programs, please
contact the PSC.
The maps below highlight the approximate coverage of each ISP listed in red.
24/7 Telcom & West Wisconsin Telcom Coop.
- 24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom will offer free broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12, college students or anyone who needs a broadband connection to work remotely. Must be a new Broadband customer to qualify and where 24-7 & West Wisconsin broadband is available.
24/7 & West Wisconsin Website Program Webpage
AirFiber
AirFiber is not doing any disconnections of business or residential customers for 60 days, and any late fees have been waived. Businesses can go on seasonal disconnect if they need to during this time. AirFiber has setup an outdoor public wifi hotspot at the Superior Public Library. They are currently adding more public hotspots and will update when complete.
AirFiber Website
AT&T
Removing data caps associated with their wireless and wired connections, among other programs. Overage and domestic wireless fees dating back to March 13th are being waived. Offering a $10/month Access From AT&T program for qualifying low-income households in addition to other programs. They also "will not terminate the service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic."
AT&T Website AT&T's COVID-19 Response Page
Access from AT&T Program Page
Astrea Connect
Will be offering free high-speed cable internet broadband access for new K-12 & College Student income eligible households for 60 days.
The sign-up period for this program is limited and begins March 17th and ends on March 31st.
Astrea Connect Website
Introducing the Astrea COVID-19 Connection Assistance Program
Baldwin LightStream
Allowing current customers to update their current service for no charge for 60 days.
Baldwin LightStream Website
Notice Regarding COVID-19
Bertram Internet
Launching a short-term, low-cost, offer for 60 days for disconnected households with K-12 children, college students, or low-income residents in need of services.
Beginning Monday, March 16:
Bertram Communications will offer 60-day free access to new households with K-12 and/or College students and location validated through their onboarding program.
They will continue to support a low-cost wireless home internet service to qualifying households as part of their AccessToSchool program with their strategic school district partnerships.
Bertram will not for the next 60 days terminate service for existing customers who, because of the ConV-19 pandemic, are facing challenging economic hardship, contact us requesting assisitance, and show reason for support.
It is their intension to not charge additional late fees to customers as it relates to the effects of the pandemic.
Bertram does not impose data caps nor additional hidden fees.
Bertram Website
Bug Tussel Wireless
Plans to announce a short-term plan by Tuesday morning (March 17).
Bug Tussel Wireless Public Response to the Novel Coronavirus, known as COVID-19: Bug Tussel Wireless understands the important role played by internet providers in today's society. Given that many schools are switching to online classes we would like to ensure every student has access to a quality internet connection. To facilitate this, we have made our plans as afforable as possible and we have waived all upfront costs.
For all new customers affected by COVID-19, we will be waiving activation fees, as well as offering the following dicounts:
- 8 MB & 12 MB plan for $25/Month for 90 days
- 25 MB plan for $40/Month for 90 days
- All installation fees will be deferred for 90 days
After the 90 day period, pricing will return to normal.
If you have any qusetions or would like to check availability please contact us at 833-BTUSSEL.
Bug Tussel WebsiteVerizon - Serving Customers Covid-19 3_25_20.pdf
CenturyLink
Lifted data caps and delayed disconnecting businesses and residential customers for the next 60 days.
CenturyLink Website
CenturyLink's Approach to COVID-19
Cellcom
Cellcom will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Cellcom will waive any late fees that residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic. Late fees will be waived until at least May 16, 2020. We continue to assess the situation.
Cellcom's Wi-Fi hotposts will remain open for public use.
Cellcom Website
Cellcom's COVID-19 Response
Charter Communications
Offering free access to broadband for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Eligible low-income households without school-age children may use Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps. They will also open its Wi-Fi hotspots across their footprint for public use.
Charter Website Information on Charter's COVID-19 Service Offerings
Spectrum Internet Assist Webpage Charter's Wi-Fi Hotspots
Cirrinity/Wittenberg Telephone Company
Created free Wi-FI hotspots at their two office locations. These are meant for people to use from their car in the parking lot.
Waiving non-pay disconnect processes for 60 days as well as standard late fees. Partnering with local schools to assist students who have indicated they don't have service and provide service for 60 days no charge were feasible.
Cirrintiy/Wittenberg Telephone Company Website
Comcast
Increasing access and speeds to their Internet Essentials Program ($10/month broadband). New families will get 60 days free.
Comcast Website
Comcast News Announcement
Four Lakes Broadband
Four Lakes Broadband is offering for $25 per month, a 10 MB plan for 90 days for new customers affected by COVID-19 situation. The installation cost will be deferred for 90 days. After 90 days, rates revert to normal.
Four Lakes Broadband has also committed to the FCC pledge to not disconnect any customers during this COVID-19 situation, and waive all late fees.
Four Lakes Broadband Website
Grantsburg Telcom
Partnering directly with the local school district to identify students without broadband and provide the service free of charge for 60 days. Also offering a free drive-up Wi-Fi hotspot in the Village of Grantsburg.
Grantsburg Telcom Website
Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC)
In light of the school and work closures due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), HBC will provide 60 days of free broadband Internet service and router rental to eligible low-income households.
Eligibility Requirements: Receive Free or Reduced lunch for at least one child in the Universal Services National School Lunch program AND/OR be enrolled in Telephone Assistance Program (TAP).
Existing Internet Assistance Program Subscribers: You do not need to complete the below enrollment form. Your April 2nd and May 2nd billing cycles will reflect a zero charge on qualifying Internet service and equipment.
HBC Website
HBC Temporary Free Internet Assistance Program
If you have any questions regarding the program, please call HBC at (888) 474-9995.
MHTC
Planning to announce a short-term low cost plan by Tuesday morning (March 17).
MHTC Website
Mosaic Telecom
Setting up Free WIFI hotspots at their four office locations is Chetek, Barron, Rice Lake and Cameron. Current fiber customers will receive free speed upgrade to 500/500 for the next 60 days.
Mosaic Telecom Website
Northwest Communications
Adding free public hot spots in communities they serve, which should be operational by the end of the day on March 18. They have also signed the FCC pledge, and been in contact with local schools to make a plan for those who do not have internet service. They will also increase their minimum bandwidth for sume services.
Northwest Communication's Website
Updates on Northwest Communication's Facebook Page
Norvado
In addition to committing to the Service Promise, Norvado is offering three special offers for both existing and new customers.
Free Speed Upgrade – In an effort to help our community overcome the challenges that come with the COVID-19 outbreak, Norvado will upgrade existing customers' Internet speed for Free for three months.
Three Months Free Internet – New customers get three months of Internet service on us.
Seasonal Customer Fee Waived – Seasonal customers will not be charged the “seasonal upgrade" or “date charge" to reinstate service early.
*Restrictions apply.
Norvado Website Norvado Offer Details
NSight Telservices
Offering free home internet/wi-fi, with 2 options for duration for any family in our serviceable market who do not have home internet today with NSight.
Offer 1: 2 months waived on a month-to-month agreement; month 3 charges begin.
Offer 2: 4 months waived on 1-year agreement; month 5 charges begin.
Both options include the following at nocharge: Monthly Service, Wi-Fi, Gateway Charge, NID Charge, Install Charge
Under both plans, the credit process is still in place. However, should a new customer not pass credit, we will work with them on a case-by-case basis.
Specific markets of eligibility are listed to the left.
NSight Website NSight's COVID-19 Response
Sprint/T-Mobile
All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans will have unlimited smartphone data for 60 days, Lifeline customers will receive extra free data up to 5 GB over the next 2 months and current customers will receive a mobile hot spot/tethering service for the next 60 days. T-Mobile has also announced a program for educators.
Sprint Website Learn how Sprint is Responding to COVID-19
T-Mobile Website T-Mobile Update on COVID-19 Response
T-Mobile Program for Educators
TDS
Offering “60 Day Free Internet" Available to new customers who request the offer only and have a K-12 and/or College Student in it or other document verifying low-income status.
TDS Website
Tri-County Communication Cooperative (TCC)
TCC is initially offering one month of free Internet service and free installation to teachers and students within their serving area. They will continue to evaluate the length of this offering as districts continue to have staff and students at home through this unprecedented event. They have assured us that they will do what they can to get education related installations done as soon as possible.
TCC Website
If you are interested, please contact TCC at (715) 695-2691.
U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular will: “Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic."
U.S. Cellular Website U.S. Cellular COVID-19 Response
Verizon
Company will waive late fees and keep residential and small business customers connected if negatively impacted by global crisis.
To help families during this time of need, today Verizon announced plans for a discount program on Fios broadband plans for qualified new low-income customers and two months waived service charges for current Verizon customers that are part of the
Lifeline discount program.
Verizon Website Verizon's Response: COVID-19
We're here. And we're ready. - Annoncement from Verizon
Residential & Small Business Announcement from Verizon
Verizon Helps Eliminate Worry for Customers During Time of Great Need
WiConnect Wireless
Offering free installation ($150 dollar discount) for customers with kids without internet.
WiConnect Website
Phone: (608) 524-1579
Additional Internet Resources
CISCO
They are providing free offerings and cloud-based services across Webex, security solutions, and more.
Free Video Conferencing Solutions Free Security Offerings
Program Website
human-I-T
Through human-I-T, access Sprint 4G LTE wireless service with a WIFI hotspot, provided by Mobile Citizen. Speed varies with tower coverage. No data limitations.
human-I-T Website
Program Website
PCs for People
Through PCs for People, access Sprint 4G LTE wireless service with a WIFI hotspot, provided by Mobile Beacon. Speed varies with tower coverage. No data limitations. $15 per month plus initial $80 purchase cost of modem.
PCs for People Website
Program Website
Keep Americans Connected Pledge
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC is encouraging ISPs to partake in a pledge to help ensure Americans do not lose their telephone or broadband connectivity. A list of participating ISPs nationwide can be found through links on the page linked below.
Keep Americans Connected Pledge
The PSC has been informed that all members of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association have committed to the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. More information can be found at this Press Release.
As of March 23rd, the following ISPs have signed on to the Keep Americans Connected pledge, according to the FCC's listing.
