What is the best internet provider for seniors? Senior citizens live in a world of their own. They’re proud and independent and don’t like to ask for help. But they’re also vulnerable to scams and other age-related problems that can cause them severe financial harm.
The best internet provider for seniors should be reliable, safe, affordable, easy to use, and provide their services. In this article, we’ll explore the seven best internet providers for seniors, so you have an idea which one is the best fit for your loved one.
How To Choose The Best Internet Providers For Seniors
When choosing the best internet provider for seniors, you need to consider a number of things. For example, reliability and speed are important factors that contribute to your overall satisfaction with any ISP. However, confident older adults might look for specific features not required by younger people.
For seniors who live alone or whose children have moved away from home, a reliable way to connect with family and friends is a must.
It’s also important to be aware of the security features offered by each ISP, especially if your loved one has shared their concerns about living in a senior community or being targeted by scammers and thieves.
- How To Choose The Best Internet Providers For Seniors
- 7 Best Internet Providers For Seniors In 2023
- 1.Verizon 55+ Internet For Seniors
- 2. T Mobile Unlimited 55 Senior Internet
- 3. AT&T UNLIMITED 55+ For Seniors
- 4. CenturyLink Internet For Seniors
- 5. Frontier Fios for Seniors
- 6. Xfinity internet for seniors
- 7. Optimum Internet For Seniors
- Why Do Seniors Need The Internet?
- What Kind Of Internet Plan Is Best For Seniors?
7 Best Internet Providers For Seniors In 2023
Do you know which internet provider is the best one for seniors? If you are looking for affordable, reliable home service, check out our list of the seven best internet providers for seniors below!
1.Verizon 55+ Internet For Seniors
Verizon Fios is currently offering three great deals for 55+ residents, two of which are available in select states. The first offer is the Triple Play Select plan providing 100 Mbps internet, a home phone, and over 220 channels for $79.99 per month. To fit for this offer, you must be a new customer and at least 55 years old.
The second offer is the Verizon Fios Double Play Internet plan with 100 Mbps internet and over 220 channels for $69.99 per month as a new customer or a Verizon wireless deal for existing customers who have never had cable TV before.
The third Verizon Fios 55+ deal is called Silver 25, which offers you home phone service, unlimited nationwide calling, and up to 25 Mbps internet speed for $24.99 per month with no contract, after a $100 credit (must be a new customer).
Price Comparison
As you can see, Verizon Fios currently has the highest prices for its standard internet plans. However, they offer a home security feature with optional monitoring, and some 55+ customers might qualify for discounts available via one of their three current offers.
2. T Mobile Unlimited 55 Senior Internet
T-Mobile offers three unlimited data plans for 55+ customers. The first is their Unlimited 55+ plan which provides unlimited talk, text, and 5 GB of high speed 4G LTE data per month. For a single line, you must cost $50, and for a double line, you’ll cost $80 per month.
The second T-Mobile unlimited internet plan for seniors is Unlimited 55+ (AutoPay). It provides unlimited talk, text, and un-throttled 4G LTE data for as low as $60 per month. This plan also comes with an essential Netflix subscription to share with up to two other people on your account.
The third T-Mobile unlimited internet plan designed for seniors is called Unlimited 55+: Data Maximizer. With this plan, you’ll qualify for unlimited talk, text, and un-throttled 3G data, and its costs at $75 per month.
Price Comparison
As you can see, T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ plan is the best option if your loved one needs the cheapest unlimited data plan. However, they offer very limited coverage on this plan, which might not be available in your area.
Unfortunately, Verizon Fios has the slowest download speeds of all plans listed here on our best internet providers for seniors list. However, their security features and discounts may make it the best choice for some 55+ customers.
3. AT&T UNLIMITED 55+ For Seniors
AT&T offers the Unlimited Enhanced Plan for 55+ customers. This plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data with speeds up to 1.5 Mbps, which is a considerable step down from other unlimited plans available today that offer 4G LTE speeds as high as 100 Mbps or more.
However, this plan still costs $70/month, whereas some other plans are as much as $30 more expensive.
Fortunately, AT&T includes a Wi-Fi router with this plan, and they offer free premium access to the app HBO Go, which is excellent for seniors who like watching TV shows and movies on their smartphones or tablet.
Price Comparison New Fios or AT&T Unlimited 55+: Which is Cheaper?
As you can see, Verizon Fios has lower prices for its standard internet plans. However, the download speeds listed are much slower than today’s other unlimited plans.
This means that some seniors who need fast internet may not be able to get the service they desire with Verizon Fios.
DIRECTV NOW for seniors
AT&T also offers an exciting streaming plan called DIRECTV NOW that is explicitly designed for watching live TV on your smartphone or tablet without having to pay for cable.
This plan comes with over 100 channels to choose from, and it costs $35/month, which is definitely not bad for a streaming TV plan.
Unfortunately, this plan only includes 20 hours of DVR space on your account, which may mean that you would have to purchase an upgraded plan for more storage.
Also, note that it does not include internet service, and you must be connected to Wi-Fi in order to access the DIRECTV NOW app.
4. CenturyLink Internet For Seniors
CenturyLink provides home internet for seniors who no longer want to pay for their cable TV and landline phone services. This company offers super-fast download speeds of up to 10 Mbps, which is a fantastic option if your loved one needs high-speed internet service.
Also, this service includes unlimited data with no monthly caps or throttling, and it costs $29.99/month, which is much lower than most other providers.
Unfortunately, CenturyLink’s service area is limited to 23 states in the U.S., so it may not be available in your hometown (see comments section below).
Also, note that CenturyLink does not offer any TV or phone services, and you will need to subscribe to other services if you want cable TV or a landline phone.
Price Comparison CenturyLink vs. Verizon Fios: Which is Cheaper?
Both companies offer similar internet plans that you notice, but they charge different prices for the same features. This means that it may be up to your loved one to decide which provider they like the most based on their current cable TV services and how much they are willing to spend.
5. Frontier Fios for Seniors
As you may know, Frontier Fios mainly provides internet service with download speeds of up to 50 Mbps, which is pretty decent. Unfortunately, it can be pretty expensive compared to other providers if you don’t have a bundle package.
Also, this provider doesn’t offer unlimited data plans, so you will need to set a monthly data limit in order to avoid any hefty overage fees.
Price Comparison Frontier Fios vs. AT&T Unlimited 55+: Which is Cheaper?
As you can see from the image above, it may be cheaper for your loved one to switch from Frontier Fios to AT&T Unlimited 55+ (see comments section below).
Although this may mean that they will have a slower internet connection, it will still be better than paying extra money each month for Frontier Fios without the possibility of unlimited data.
6. Xfinity internet for seniors
Xfinity is another internet provider that offers a decent download speed of up to 25 Mbps. However, the speeds can be significantly lower during peak hours, and you may need to pay more for unlimited data, which can be very expensive compared to other plans.
Also, note that this company does not offer any TV service or phone options, so you will need to subscribe to another service (phone or TV) in order to receive cable TV or a landline phone.
Price Comparison Xfinity vs. AT&T Unlimited 55+: Which is Cheaper?
As you can see from the image above, it may be cheaper for your loved one to switch from Xfinity to AT&T Unlimited 55+ (see comments section below).
Although this may mean that they will have a slower internet connection, it will still be better than paying extra money each month for Xfinity without the possibility of unlimited data.
7. Optimum Internet For Seniors
Optimum is another great internet provider for seniors, especially those who live in areas where Verizon isn’t available.
They provide both DSL and fiber optic service (select areas), plus TV bundles that can save you money over time.
Price Comparison Optimum vs. Verizon Fios: Which is Cheaper?
Since both companies offer similar speeds and services, your loved one may be able to save money by switching from Verizon Fios to Optimum (see comments section below). This means that they would have to pay less for a lower-speed internet connection.
Why Do Seniors Need The Internet?
Many seniors are surprised that the internet isn’t just about sending emails and looking at cute cat pictures. These days, it can be used for various day-to-day activities like paying bills and keeping in touch with family members. Here are several examples of how seniors are using the best internet provider for seniors these days:
Social networks: Sites like Facebook make it easier than ever to stay connected with family and friends even if you live hundreds of miles away from them.
Web chats: Video chatting is one of the best ways for seniors to get in touch with loved ones and family members who have moved out of state. It’s free to use, and there’s no need to buy any additional equipment.
Online banking: Seniors who don’t have regular access to banks or a local ATM can take advantage of online services that allow them to pay bills, view statements, and transfer funds.
Email: Many seniors enjoy sending emails, but they rely on it to stay informed of important news and information.
Social media: Sites like Twitter and Pinterest can be used by seniors to learn more about their favorite hobbies and interests, whether it’s cooking or painting.
There are many ways that the internet can help make life easier for seniors who want to stay in touch with the outside world. Plus, it provides an excellent opportunity for them to explore new interests and hobbies without having to spend money on expensive equipment or classes.
Advertisements: Some seniors look at ads to keep track of the latest deals on products they’re interested in buying.
Bill paying: The internet is the best way for seniors to stay on top of their bills and make payments on time.
Social networking: Sites like Facebook can be used by seniors as a way to keep tabs on friends and family who live out of state.
What Kind Of Internet Plan Is Best For Seniors?
Though there are lots of different types of internet plans available, the four most common options for seniors include:
DSL: Some DSL carriers inflict unlimited data plans, while others have data caps and different restrictions. You also need to check if your address qualifies for DSL service since it’s only offered in certain areas. Satellite is another option that doesn’t have data caps, but it costs more than DSL.
Cable: Most seniors can get cheap cable and internet packages cable in their homes, and the best thing about it is that you don’t have to worry about data caps or download speeds. However, you will need to call your provider to verify that they offer high-speed cable internet in your area.
Fiber optic: Fiber optic is the most expensive option available, but it’s also swift and reliable. Unlike DSL, you don’t have to worry about data caps or download speeds.
Satellite: Like satellite internet for mobile phones, this option is an excellent way for seniors to connect in rural areas without DSL or cable access. Plus, it’s affordable, and there are no data caps or download limits.
Is There Government Free Internet for Seniors?
There are a few different programs designed to help seniors get free government cell phones at an affordable rate in some cases.
For example, those who can prove that they’re at least 55 years old and making less than $15,000 per year may be eligible to receive government assistance through programs like the Broadband Access Loan Program.
In addition, some internet service providers offer free or discounted DSL installation to senior citizens. You can learn more about this by visiting your provider’s website or calling customer service.
Various community centers provide free access to the internet, including public libraries near you. A lot of seniors prefer using these because they’re free and available in most areas.
What Are Some Ways To Help Seniors Get Online?
If your senior loved one isn’t tech-savvy or doesn’t know how to use email, social media, and other essential apps like Skype, the best way to help is by sitting down and going on a few practice runs together. You can also show them how to use the internet by visiting your favorite sites and reading about topics they’re interested in.
Of course, you may not always be around to teach seniors how to use the internet and apps like Facebook. Moreover, they should become conscious of their circumstances.
If you don’t feel comfortable introducing them or if your senior loved one is having trouble getting the hang of it, there are always paid services for seniors that offer tech support and training classes.
What Are Free Internet Services Available For Seniors?
Many companies and websites offer free email accounts to seniors who are 55 and older. There are also free resources for seniors who want to chat, including sites like GroupLens.
Seniors can sign up for free email and other online services through a number of different websites, including:
There are also a few apps that are produced with seniors in mind. For example, the HealthTap app provides doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals that seniors can chat with whenever they have a health-related question.
Seniors can also use the Aging2.0 app to join online support groups, connect with family members on social media, and more for free.
Final Verdict
We provide a list of options regarding getting the best internet provider for seniors. There are different ways to get them connected, from teaching them how to use it or having paid services help them along. While each offers pros and cons, it is up to you and your senior family member prefers.
