AT&T's $10 internet offer is for low-income households only
AT&T offers internet service for $10 per month through a program called AT&T Internet Air, but only if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. For a single person, that means roughly $18,000 per year; for a family of four, roughly $37,000 per year. The exact income limits shift each year with federal guidelines.
This is not a promotional rate that expires after a year. It is a permanent price for households that meet the income requirement. The service uses AT&T's fixed wireless network rather than traditional broadband lines, so availability depends on whether AT&T has coverage in your area.
You cannot walk into a store and sign up. You must go through a partner organization that verifies your income and refers you to AT&T. The most common route is through your local Community Action Partnership office or through a 211 call.
Key Takeaways
- AT&T Internet Air costs $10 per month only if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, which varies by household size.
- You must verify your income through a Community Action Partnership office or similar organization before AT&T will enroll you.
- The service uses fixed wireless technology, so you need to check AT&T's coverage map for your address before pursuing enrollment.
- Call 211 or search for your local Community Action Partnership to find the organization in your area that handles referrals.
How to verify your income and get referred to AT&T
Start by calling 211 or visiting 211.org and entering your zip code. This service connects you to local nonprofits and government agencies that handle low-income programs. Tell them you are looking for AT&T Internet Air enrollment. They will either handle the verification themselves or direct you to the right office.
The most common partner is your local Community Action Partnership (CAP). Search for "[your city or county] Community Action Partnership" online to find the office nearest you. Call them and ask about AT&T Internet Air. They will ask for proof of income — usually a recent pay stub, tax return, Social Security statement, or unemployment benefits letter. If you have no income, bring documentation of that instead.
Once they verify that your household meets the income limit, they will refer you to AT&T. AT&T will then contact you to complete enrollment and schedule installation. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks.
Check AT&T's coverage before you start the process
AT&T Internet Air is fixed wireless service, which means it uses a small outdoor antenna pointed at AT&T's cell towers rather than a cable or fiber line buried in the ground. This makes it faster to install than traditional broadband, but it only works where AT&T has adequate tower coverage.
Before you contact 211 or your Community Action Partnership, visit AT&T's coverage map at att.com/internet/fixed-wireless and enter your address. If the map shows "not available," AT&T Internet Air will not work at your location, and you will need to explore other low-income internet programs instead. If it shows coverage, you can move forward with the income verification process.
What to expect after you are enrolled
AT&T will send you a small outdoor antenna and a modem. Installation is usually free. The antenna mounts on your roof, on a pole, or on an exterior wall — somewhere with a clear line of sight to AT&T's nearest tower. A technician can do this, or you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with basic mounting.
Speeds vary by location and network congestion, but AT&T typically advertises 35 to 100 Mbps for fixed wireless. That is fast enough for video streaming, video calls, and remote work, though not as fast as fiber or cable in most places. There is no data cap, so you can use as much data as you want without overage charges.
The $10 monthly price includes the service only. You are responsible for the equipment if it breaks or is damaged by weather, though AT&T usually replaces it at a reduced cost.
Other low-income internet programs if AT&T is not available
If AT&T Internet Air does not cover your address, ask the Community Action Partnership office about other programs. The most common alternative is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program that pays toward internet service from any participating provider in your area. ACP covers up to $30 per month for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
Comcast, Verizon, Charter Spectrum, and many smaller providers participate in ACP. The income limit is higher than AT&T Internet Air, and you have more provider choices. You can learn more about ACP at fcc.gov/acp or by calling 211.
Some states and cities also run their own low-income broadband programs. Your Community Action Partnership office will know which ones exist in your area and whether you meet the income requirements.
Income limits and how they are calculated
AT&T uses the federal poverty guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services. The limit for AT&T Internet Air is 135% of the poverty line. These are the 2024 guidelines; they increase slightly each year.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (2024) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $18,210 |
| 2 people | $24,570 |
| 3 people | $30,930 |
| 4 people | $37,290 |
| 5 people | $43,650 |
| 6 people | $50,010 |
| 7 people | $56,370 |
| 8 people | $62,730 |
Household income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other sources. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or stimulus checks. The Community Action Partnership office will explain exactly what counts when you bring your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get AT&T Internet Air if I am on SNAP or Medicaid?
Not automatically. You still need to meet the 135% poverty line income limit. However, some states allow you to skip the income verification if you are already receiving SNAP or Medicaid. Ask your Community Action Partnership office whether your state has this rule.
What happens if my income goes above the limit after I enroll?
AT&T does not re-verify income after enrollment, so your rate stays at $10 per month. The program is designed to help people get connected, not to penalize them for earning more money later.
Can I use AT&T Internet Air if I rent instead of own my home?
Yes. You can install the antenna on a rental property if your lease allows it or if you get written permission from your landlord. If you cannot mount an antenna, ask AT&T whether a ground-level or window-mounted option is available in your area.
How long does it take from calling 211 to having internet working?
Typically two to four weeks. The Community Action Partnership office usually verifies income within a few days, AT&T processes the referral within a week, and installation happens within another week or two depending on their schedule.
Is there a contract or early termination fee?
AT&T Internet Air has no contract and no early termination fee. You can cancel anytime by calling AT&T customer service.