AT&T Internet For $5: Students From Low-Income Families Get Discounted Connection With ‘Access’

AT&T is joining Comcast (CCV) and Google Fiber in reaching out to low-income families, allowing students to reduce reliance on school Internet and do their research from home. Internet at a discount will now be available with Access from AT&T for at least $5 per month.

According to CCN, low-income households are those with at least one person receiving food stamps. With internet discount programs such as Access from AT&T, low-income families are given the services they need, not just for basic and daily needs such as communication and entertainment, but also for educational and professional needs.

Hope you enjoyed your special access to #Tribeca2016 from AT&T. Thanks for participating & see you next year! pic.twitter.com/HNfAqItb2I — AT&T (@ATT) April 24, 2016

With the Access from AT&T program, students are able to have reliable internet connection at home for schoolwork and research. Adults on the other hand, will be able to rely on home internet for job hunting and similar income-related activities.

CNN points out that programs such as the Access from AT&T program close the digital gap between low-income families and those that are higher up on the income spectrum. It seems as though the AT&T program will also help low-income families aid their needs and help them secure a better prospect for themselves.

We're extending the Digital Inclusion Fellowship with @NTENorg in select cities. Learn more: https://t.co/kYtD0hLSGa pic.twitter.com/D0C30PPTPi — Google Fiber (@googlefiber) 20 April 2016

Among the features of Access from AT&T are a 3Mbps connection for $5 a month, a 10Mbps connection for $10 a month and waived installation and equipment fees. A data limit of 600GB a month will be applied, with fees applying in excess of this limit. Families will reportedly be automatically assigned whichever is the faster speed limit in their area.

Comcast Launches “Internet Essentials Learning Zone” Spanning Chicago’s Englewood, Fuller… https://t.co/K4rJY1UL8a pic.twitter.com/d3zsnIxK8s

— Comcast IL (@ComcastILLINOIS) April 12, 2016

A connection of 3Mbps and 10Mbps are still much lower than the 25Mbps lower limit for regular internet accounts. Life Hacker points out that Access from AT&T follows that same speed plan as Comcast's Internet Essentials and Google Fiber's similarly discounted plan worth $15 a month.