Federal Communications Commission
GovernmentThe Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program? A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program; Participates in one of these assistance programs: The National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision; SNAP Medicaid Federal Public Housing Assistance Supplemental Security Income (SSI) WIC Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits or Lifeline; Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance Tribal TANF Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Tribal Head Start (income based) Go to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete. Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
Counties Served: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, StarkeLake County Public Library - Cedar Lake Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 374-7121
Lake County Public Library - Dyer-Schererville Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219 )322-4731
Robert A. Pastrick Library Branch
NonprofitTechnology classes are for beginners and classes are two hours long with a break. All classes will be simultaneously streamed online for home viewing or for future reference. A limited amount of space is available so classes require advance registration.
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 397-5505
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(219) 398-2827
Lake County Public Library - Griffith- Calumet Twp Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 838-2825
Lake County Public Library - Highland Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 838-2394
Lake County Public Library - Hobart Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 942-2243
Lake County Public Library - Lake Station-New Chicago Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 962-2409
Lake County Public Library - Merrillville Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 769-3541
Lake County Public Library - Munster Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 836-8450
Lake County Public Library - St. John Branch
NonprofitOur public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 365-5379
Whiting Public Library
Nonprofit-
(219) 659-0269
East Chicago Public Library
Nonprofit-
(219) 397-2453
Hammond Public Library
NonprofitHammond Public Library offers free computer access for all ages, upon presentation of a Hammond Public Library card. The library also offers free computer classes for adults and seniors. Self-service computer printing, faxing and scanning are also available for a nominal fee.
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 931-5100
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(219) 931-3474
Gary Public Library
Register online to create your own eCard to stream or download music, books, magazines and audiobooks or use library databases. You can also reset your PIN number.
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 886-2484
Comcast Internet Essentials
Internet Essentials is a program for families and other low-income households who currently do not subscribe to Internet at home. Xfinity Internet customers are not eligible for Internet Essentials. For full eligibility requirements, click below. https://internetessentials.com/
Counties Served: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, StarkeGary Public Library
Borrow a portable wifi HotSpot, for 7 (seven) days, to connect any wireless enabled device to the Internet for free. For patrons, age 18 or older with a valid GPL library card. Other guidelines apply. Available only at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center. (updated 7/26/21)
Counties Served: Lake-
(219) 886-2484
PCs for People
Though we wish we could provide low-cost technology to everyone, we focus our efforts on internet solutions and computer access for individuals who need it most. To shop with us, customers must be currently participating in a government-based assistance program or have a qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines (see chart below) or 60% of area median income). Before completing your purchase, PCs for People requires photo identification and income documentation to ensure that customers meet our eligibility criteria. https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/ to see if you qualify
Counties Served: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, Starke-
651-354-2552