Brown County Broadband Information > Broadband Affordability

Brown County recognizes that some residents cannot afford access to high speed internet even though it is available. This information identifies programs and services that may assist you in getting affordable or free high speed internet access.

Free Internet Access Locations
Map of Brown County Government Free WiFi Access Locations Map of Businesses in Brown County with Free WiFi Map of Wisconsin Public WiFi Locations Link to listing of Free WiFi in Green Bay
Brown County has several sites throughout the County that have free high speed public WiFi - making it easy to access. Sites include areas just outside of buildings, in parking lots and parks. Here's a list of Brown County access points for “drive-up” or "parking lot" connectivity:

School and Library Internet Access Programs
Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPSD) Green Bay Public Schools offers free internet to qualifying students using cellular wifi hotspots. Additional information: https://www.gbaps.org/our_district/coronavirus/resources https://www.gbaps.org/our_district/departments/technology/wi_fi_solution_for_student_home_use
University of Wisconsin Green Bay (UWGB) Broadband Student Resources: https://news.uwgb.edu/phlash/news/03/16/free-broadband-wifi-and-software-resources-for-students/
Brown County Library Internet Options Wireless enabled devices can access the internet FREE at a Brown County Library (BCL) location. BCL locations also have public computers with high speed internet access. You can also check out a Google Chromebooks and a Hot Spot on a first-come basis. They must be checked out and returned at a library service desk and may not be placed on hold. If you would like to check out a Chromebook, please call ahead to confirm availability. See the library Locations & Hours page for phone numbers. Chromebooks can be checked out for 21 days, with a limit of one check out per month, per household.

FCC Affordable Connectivity Fund

This program provides up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Families and individuals who normally qualify participate 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.

To sign up to recieve $30 per month, go to https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/

Lifeline Program

The Lifeline program provides low-income Wisconsin residents affordable access to essential telecommunications by discounting the cost of phone, cell and internet services. This depends on which type of service(s) you have, but your discount could range from $7.25 - $18.50 per month.
Click for more information:

***Some of the vendor discount programs may be cheaper or have better services than the FCC Lifeline program.

You can check your Lifeline eligibility online using the National Verifier at https://www.checklifeline.org/
More information about Lifeline: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

Internet Provider Broadband Providers Some participate in the Affordability Connectivty Fund, have alternate programs, offer lifeline and offer other Discount Programs. Many of the programs require confirmation of low income household, or enrollment in Head Start, SNAP, or the National School Lunch Program. For a full list of all providers participating in the affordable connectivity fund go here: https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers#Wisconsin

Astrea (was Packerland Broadband) 800-236-8434 [Landline/Wireless Provider] https://go.astreaconnect.com/ebb Supports Affordable Connectivity Fund
AT&T 800-288-2020 [Cellular and Landline Provider] Discounts for Students, nurses, physicians, military, teachers and first responders: https://www.att.com/verification/signaturehub https://www.att.com/offers/discount-program/appreciation/ Low Income- https://www.att.com/home-phone/lifeline/ https://www.att.com/internet/access/ https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html#consumers Participates in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program
Bertram Internet 920-351-1023 [Wireless Internet Provider] https://gobertram.com/ Listed as participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
BugTussel Wireless 1-877-227-0924 [Wireless Internet Provider] https://www.bugtusselwireless.com/ Listed as participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Cellcom 1-877-477-5222 [Cellular Provider] https://www.cellcom.com/resources/media/documents/LifelineBasic_Application.pdf https://www.cellcom.com/resources/media/documents/Tribal_Lifeline_Application.pdf Particpates in Lifeline
CenturyLink (also known as Lumen) 1-866-642-0444 [Landline Provider] https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/lifeline.html https://www.centurylink.com/asset/aboutus/downloads/community/lifeline/2021_Wisconsin_TAP_Application.pdf They participate in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program. Alternate phone: 1-800-244-1111
Ethoplex (844) 574-4625 [fixed wireless] https://www.ethoplex.com/
Ideal Technologies 920-415-3466 [Landline Provider] https://www.idealtechwi.com/
Mecury Network 888.866.4638 [Fiber and wireless Provider] https://www.mercury.net/
Nsight 1-800-826-5215 [Landline Provider] https://www.nsighttel.com/support/lifeline-discount-program/ https://www.nsighttel.com/support/emergency-broadband-benefit-program/ Nsight does participate in LifeLine and Affordable Connectivity Program
Spectrum (also known as Charter) 1-844-488-8395 [Landline Provider] Main page for discounts https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist https://www.spectrum.net/support/voice/lifeline-phone-credit-landing/ https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more Qualified households can SAVE on high-speed Internet at a special rate. Learn more about Spectrum Internet Assist. Altnerate phone 866-980-3107
Sprint 1-888-211-4727 [Cellular Provider] https://businesssolutions.sprint.com/employee-discounts.html See TMobile for Lifeline (Sprint is business only)
Starlink* https://www.starlink.com/ [Satellite Provider] Starlink will be a provider in nearly all rural areas. To take advantage of Starlink, you need to have visibility to the sky. NOTE: As of October 2021, the service is not widely available, however, you can “sign up” to get on a first come first serve waiting list. Starlink does not have affordability programs such as Affordable Connectivity Program or Lifeline * no listed phone number, website only
T-Mobile 1-800-937-8997 [Cellular Provider] https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/lifeline-program https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/emergency-broadband-benefit TMobile participates in LifeLine and Affordable Connectivity Program
TDS 1-855-220-2592 [Landline Provider] https://tdstelecom.com/about/news/categories/tds/TDSAnnouncesFreeBroadband.html https://tdstelecom.com/lifeline.html Fiber to the home: https://tdsfiber.com/ Alternate phones TDS GENERAL (877) 205-5470 TDS FIBER (855) 259-8577
US Cellular 1-888-289-8722 [Cellular Provider] https://www.uscellular.com/plans/specialty-plans/lifeline-qualifications https://www.uscellular.com/plans/specialty-plans
Verizon 1-800-837-4966 [Cellular Provider] Discount programs https://www.verizon.com/featured/students/ https://www.verizon.com/featured/teachers/ https://www.verizon.com/info/low-income-internet/ https://www.verizon.com/featured/nurses/ https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/verizon-innovative-learning Bringing 5G technology to schools through our innovative learning labs where our students and teachers are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Supports EBB
Xfinity (also known as Comcast) 1-855-757-7372 [Landline Provider] https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/ebb https://www.internetessentials.com/ (may apply to students, low income and seniors) https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi
If you know of other intenret providers or if you find errors or broken links please share updates at: broadband@browncountywi.gov

Other Broadband Programs

Wisconsin PSC (Public Service Commission)

Internet Resources for Wisconsin Residents.
The PSC has established their Internet & Phone helpline for Wisconsin consumers.
Call 608-267-3595 to speak with dedicated PSC staff or leave a voicemail.
You also can find more information at
https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ServiceType/Broadband/BroadbandConsumerResources.aspx
Other https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ForConsumers/AssistancePrograms.aspx

Eligible Healthcare Providers

Rural Health Care (RHC) Program https://www.fcc.gov/general/rural-health-care-program

Schools and Libraries

E-rate https://www.usac.og/e-rate/

Foundation for Rural Housing

Home Net-Provide home internet access for families across WI during the school year.
One child in either middle/high school and applicants must be below 80% county median income
https://www.wisconsinruralhousing.org/homenet
Phone: (608) 238-3448 or (888) 400-5974


If you know of free or low-cost options not listed, please let us know by emailing broadband@browncountywi.gov

School and Library Internet Access Programs