Are you connected? To the internet, that is. If you are among the 4.95 billion internet users globally, this is a useful guide on how to get free internet.
With more than 60% of the world’s population online, the internet continues to become indispensable and crucial to our information and communication needs.
In public places like airports and cafes, many people try to find free wifi access to connect their mobile phones and laptops. Others even resort to paid plans just to have a faster internet connection and to avoid internet traffic while browsing.
The average cost of internet access in the United States is around $60 monthly, and since it’s a regular part of our household budget, free internet is welcome news.
Let’s check out these options to find free internet access and help reduce your monthly expenses.
15 Easy Ways To Get Free Internet
1. NetZero
The first and one of the oldest on our list is NetZero, which has been providing access to the internet since 1998. NetZero provides an internet connection through dial-up or DSL.
Dial-up might seem like a relic, but free internet is free. You will need an active phone line in your home to use this service. Other than that, they can install software either through a CD or through their website.
NetZero does have a limit. 10 GB per month is offered for free, so if you were hoping to do online gaming with some free internet, then this is not the option for you. For this option, light and distributed usage are preferable.
2. FreedomPop
FreedomPop provides one of the best wireless internet services. In addition, they have one of the cheapest packages available. Data plans, messaging, and calling packages start at as low as $0.00.
They give you a device that acts as a wireless router. You can keep it with you and access high-speed internet wherever you go. You will have to pay for the device but can get a full refund if you return it within 12 months; if not, they keep the deposit, and you get to keep the device.
If you choose their free plan, you will get 500MB of internet each month. However, paid options are available, such as a 2GB plan for $9.99.
3. WiFi Map
WiFi Map works just as its name implies. It’s a map that shows you over 100 million free Wi-Fi hotspots.
The process of using it is pretty straightforward. First, look up the free wireless internet available around you on the map. Then, you just connect with it because, along with the location, it also gives you the username and password.
You can switch to whatever free Wi-Fi is available, but take precautions because using public Wi-Fi isn’t always 100% secure.
4. All Free ISP
All Free ISP is a service that lets you explore all the internet service providers (ISPs) that give you free internet connection.
You can filter it by putting in your area code and state, giving you a list of all the free ISPs around you. Not all of them are free, but the ones that charge are cheaper than their alternatives.
You can select the one that you feel is the best by seeing what rating they’ve received.
5. Wi-Fi Free Spot
Wi-Fi Free Spot is a directory of all the free wifi spots available. You simply have to choose where you’re located, and it’ll show you all the free internet connections available.
You can choose by country or state, which is handy because you don’t need to download an application; you can access it directly through their website.
6. InstaBridge
InstaBridge was originally developed to act as a bridge between your friends and your home Wi-Fi.
It has grown beyond that and is a guide toward free Wi-Fi access. It will give you the location, how well it performs, and how far away from it you are. It also has all the passwords stored and will connect you to the ones with the best performance.
7. Juno
Juno is the oldest internet provider on our list. It acts like any other ISP but also has a free data package that will give you ten hours of internet per month.
8. Public Libraries
The public library can offer internet for free to all who visit. Public libraries have free internet as well as computers that you can use. Some require you to be a member to access the internet, but that isn’t much of a hassle.
You can use it as much as you want for as long as you want. The environment is great for getting some work done with the added benefit of having access to a ton of knowledge in the form of books and DVDs.
9. Chain Stores
All the big brands have multiple stores offering free Wi-Fi access. You can access the service for free when you are inside or within the coverage area of stores such as Walmart, Kroeger, Target, Whole Foods, and Barnes & Noble. Restaurants and local shops also have this option available.
You can use it as much as you want and do it while getting some shopping done or getting a bite to eat. You can order food, get online, work, eat, save money, and feel satisfied.
10. EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn believes that everyone in today’s day and age should get internet access. So, they help people not that financially strong to get free internet or at least for a very low price. Since 2012, they claim to have helped more than 1,000,000 people connect to the internet.
This nonprofit focuses on helping narrow the Digital Divide in favor of under-resourced and underserved people, especially Black/African-American and Latino/x communities.
11. Municipal WiFi
Municipal Wi-Fi hotspots are made available by the government for everyone to use. It is a network that combines multiple routers from companies to stores to offices that offer free internet access.
Major cities have municipal Wi-Fi hotspot access points and coverage areas, and in recent times, more cities are adopting this. So, if your city has a municipal Wi-Fi hotspot, take full advantage.
Just be aware that it is meant for casual surfing, not bandwidth-heavy tasks.
12. Hotspot
One tested method of getting the internet cheaply is using your mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
All smartphones today have the option of being turned into a hotspot. Turning on the hotspot option allows you to create a zone where anyone with the password can connect with your mobile hotspot and use the mobile data as free internet.
Most networks have an option that gives you a lot of data, if not unlimited, to use per month.
Many people don’t like sharing their internet outside of their homes because sometimes, the internet speed becomes slower when multiple devices are connected or they don’t have unlimited data. If you can convince your neighbor to share their internet with you, this is a great option to get free internet access.
But nothing is truly free in this world, is it? They may ask you for the occasional favor or to split the bill, which is still a good option as it won’t cost you as much as it would if you were to pay for it yourself.
14. Lifeline
Lifeline is a service that aims to provide internet access to senior citizens. Moreover, there are other qualifying factors, such as if you’re dependent on aid, if you have a child with disabilities, or if your monthly income falls below the standard.
This service will provide you with a monthly amount you can use to get an internet connection or a cheap data plan.
15. Ask Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Lastly, you can check your ISP or other providers in your area if they offer free internet. I know this sounds absurd, but they do have some promotional offers from time to time that give you free internet.
In the US, many ISPs offer programs for helping low-income families and those eligible for various public assistance programs to connect to the internet at a low cost or for free.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and students’ need for reliable internet access, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was mandated to administer a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit to help pay for internet service for low-income households.
For instance, Xfinity has internet plans that work with the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Families with K-12 or college students in the household are eligible for a free Altice Advantage 30 Mbps broadband plan for 60 days.
Important Tips When Using Free Internet
- While connected to a public free wifi hotspot, always use a VPN for extra security. Of course, the standard encryption protocols are in place, but being extra safe doesn’t hurt.
- You don’t know who else is connected to the same public Wi-Fi and what they are doing. Hackers could target such an encryption-free connection, putting your personal information and device at risk.
- Have your antivirus or defender up-to-date. Files that force themselves to be downloaded will be stopped dead in their tracks.
- Make sure you don’t share or receive important files over open Wi-Fi and assess their integrity before connecting to them.
Frequently Asked Questions – How to Get Free Internet
How Do I Get Unlimited Free Internet?
You can get unlimited free internet using FreedomPop, NetZero, Juno, and WiFi Free Spot. You can also get free internet in libraries, chain stores, or your municipal WiFi hotspot.
How Can I Get Free Internet On My Mobile?
You can get free internet on your mobile device using FreedomPop, VPNs offering free mobile internet, and applications like Gigato.
How Do I Stay Safe When Using Free Internet?
You can stay safe using free internet by connecting with a VPN that will encrypt the connection, have your anti-virus up-to-date, check whether the internet is safe to use, and avoid sharing or downloading important files.
Conclusion – How to Get Free Internet
With the apps and services listed above, it is possible to get free and legit internet service. These helpful ways to get free internet connectivity are worth trying if you want to reduce the cost of your monthly household bills.
Every dollar that you save is a step towards your financial empowerment. Stay connected!
If you want to read more about saving on your bills, check out these related articles:
- 7 Simple Steps To Cut Your Electric Bill In Half
- Saving Money On Groceries – Spending $70 Per Month
- Does Turning Down The Thermostat Save Money?
Marjolein is a financial consultant who has built over €4,000 monthly passive income and saves over 70% of her income. Read Radicals’ inspiring story, from stuck in the 9-to-5 to loving life. Feel free to send Radical a message at the bottom of this page