# Affordable Internet Program **Frequently Asked Questions** Affordable Cox internet plans are designed to help you save and stay connected. Browse the topics below to find answers and general information about affordable internet programs from Cox. You can also search by category. ## General ### What are Cox's Affordable Internet Options? For more than a decade, Cox has championed digital equity for qualifying low-income households through the following programs and initiatives: **Connect2Compete** is reduced-cost, reliable, fiber-powered internet priced at $9.95 per month for families with children K-12. To qualify you must have BOTH: - One child (or more) in grades K-12 AND - Be enrolled in a qualifying government assistance program such as: - National School Lunch Program (NSLP) - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Federal public housing assistance **ConnectAssist** is reduced-cost, reliable, fiber-powered internet priced at $30 per month for individuals who need support. To qualify you must EITHER: - Meet current Federal Household Income Guidelines OR - Be enrolled in a government assistance program such as: - Medicaid - Federal Pell Grant - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Federal public housing assistance - Select Tribal programs - For a complete list of qualifying government programs, visit cox.com/digitalequity. Additionally, you must live in an area where Cox Internet Service is available. To check if your address is eligible for service [click here](https://www.cox.com/residential-shop/wlscontroller/connect2compete?campcode=tnt_c2c_home_page_modal_aps_20200319). ### What if I have an outstanding debt with Cox? Existing customers and households with outstanding debt owed to Cox may still be eligible for Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist. ### What documentation do I need to provide to qualify for these programs? Yes, you may need to provide documentation to prove eligibility. When applying for Connect2Compete, you may be asked to provide proof of your child's school enrollment and participation in a Government Assistance Program in order to qualify for the offer. Just scan or take a photo of the documents with your cell phone and upload at the end of the application process. See below for a list of acceptable documentation. **1. Proof of School Enrollment (one or more of the following documents):** - Proof of your child's school attendance such as a report card or a letter from the school showing your child's enrollment for current school year on school letterhead. - The most recent letter from your child's school or district confirming your child is receiving Free or Reduced Lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) for current school year (This can serve as proof of school enrollment and Government Assistance Program participation) - Proof of enrollment in Head Start - Proof of homeschooling authorized by the school, school district or the state - Individualized education programs (IEPs) - 504 Plan AND **2. Proof of Enrollment in Government Assistance Programs (one or more of the following documents):** - The most recent letter from your child's school or district confirming your child is receiving Free or Reduced Lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or a Letter from a school official on school letterhead for current school year (This can serve as proof of school enrollment and Government Assistance Program participation) - Proof of residency in Public Housing (including Section 8, Multi-family units, and Public Housing Authorities) - Proof of enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Proof of enrollment in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Proof of enrollment in Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) - Proof of enrollment in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) To prevent delays in processing your application, please ensure the combination of the submitted documents show the following information clearly: - Your full name (as Parent/Guardian) - Your full address matching your service address - Your child's name - Your child's school name When applying for ConnectAssist, you may be asked to provide proof of participation in a government assistance program. Just scan or take a photo of the documents with your cell phone and upload at the end of the application process. See below for a list of acceptable proof of Enrollment in Government Assistance Programs: - Proof of enrollment in Medicaid (including expiration date) - Proof of residency in Public Housing (including Section 8, Multi-family units, and Public Housing Authorities) - Proof of enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Proof of enrollment in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Proof of enrollment in Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) - Proof of enrollment in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ### Are there other fees or features associated with the Cox Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist programs? There are no annual contracts, or installation fees for the program. Families can stay enrolled in the program for as long as they qualify. The Cox Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist programs include: - Free wifi modem rental - Access to 4M Cox Hotspots nationwide - Access to the Cox Digital Academy, which provides basic computer literacy training and educational resources for students ### How do I apply if I think I'm eligible for the Cox Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist programs? Eligible families can start the application process by [checking if you qualify for Cox Connect2Compete services](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html). ### How fast is the home internet service offered as a part of Cox Connect2Compete? Cox Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist provide home internet service with download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. ### Once approved, how long will it take for me to receive Internet? Please allow 5-10 days to receive your self-installation kit. If you choose professional installation, our team will schedule a technician to set up service in your home. ### Can I disconnect or de-enroll at any time? Yes. Because there is no annual contract, a customer can disconnect from Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist service at any time without paying early termination fees. ### I am not eligible for Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist but need a home Internet connection. What should I do? Cox is doing everything we can to help people stay connected during this extraordinary time. It's vital for all families to stay connected to the internet – for education, work, and health reasons. That's why we're happy to offer you a number of great valued packages to help you access the resources you need to be safe and connected. [Shop all internet plans](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet.html) ### Are payment plans available to help catch me up on my past due balance? Yes, we're committed to working with customers to ensure they stay connected. Payment plans are available for qualified customers who wish to spread past due balances over several months. ### I'm still having trouble applying for Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist. Where can I go for help? Our dedicated agents will be happy to assist you. If you have additional questions about your eligibility or need help completing the online application, call us at [1-844-627-5516](tel:1-844-627-5516). ## Families ### How do I apply if I think I'm eligible for the Cox Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist program? Eligible families can start the application process by [checking if you qualify for Cox Connect2Compete services](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html). ### Can a family sign up for internet service if they already have other Cox services? Yes, families with Cox video, telephone, or Homelife may also be eligible for Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist if they meet the eligibility requirements. ### Where can my child learn more about the internet and play educational games? Visit the [Digital Academy](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/digital-academy.html) for educational games, tools for online safety and more. ## Educators ### Why should our school share the Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist programs with parents, caregivers and guardians? High-speed Internet access is no longer a luxury good. It has become an essential tool for succeeding in school. Teachers are increasingly incorporating digital tools in the classroom to enhance learning, assigning online homework and using email to communicate with parents and post grades online. There are many factors that prevent broadband adoption, but price, availability and relevance are among the most common. The Cox Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist programs help to address two of the three barriers: price and availability. Relevancy is understanding the value of the Internet to one's educational and economic opportunities. As trusted members of the community, your school leaders can help families develop an understanding of how Internet service in their homes can benefit their children's academic success and their families experience in your school. ### How can our school provide assistance to help families register online? Schools can host sign-up events by providing computers and assistance for families to apply online. Families will benefit from facilitated registration through a trusted source, so it's important for school administration and faculty to be aware of the program and process for application. We also encourage the distribution of Cox Affordable Internet flyers which can be downloaded from our [Partner toolkit](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/partner-toolkits.html). ### Will supporting the program cost our school any money? No. Cox Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist are not school programs. An endorsement or sponsorship is not required, and your school is not responsible for families' Cox Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist accounts. ### What resources are available for educators to help students with computer literacy and safety? Visit the [Digital Academy](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/digital-academy.html) for educational games, tools for online safety and more. ## Communities ### Why should a community organization learn more about Cox Affordable Internet programs? Organizations that aim to improve digital equity for low income or underserved communities can share Cox high-speed, reliable and fiber-powered internet as a solution for accessing quality education, healthcare, workforce development, social and civil engagement and more. ### How can a community organization provide assistance to help families and individuals register online? **Become an Awareness Partner.** Community organizations can share information about Cox's affordable internet programs. Visit cox.com/partnerportal for collateral to support your efforts to raise awareness. **Become a Digital Navigator Partner.** Community organizations can host sign-up events by providing computers and assistance for families to apply online. Families will benefit from facilitated registration through a trusted source, so it's important for all of your organization's members to be aware of these programs and process for application. Visit our Digital Toolkit to download easy-to-use flyer templates and more. ### Will supporting the program cost any money? No. An endorsement or sponsorship is not required, and your organization is not responsible for the families' internet service accounts. ### What resources are available for community members to help students? Visit our partner portal at [www.cox.com/partnerportal](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/program-toolkits.html) to download easy-to-use flyer templates to spread the word about Connect2Compete or go to the [Digital Academy](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/digital-academy.html) for educational games, tools for online safety and more.