Internet First FAQs

The Internet First program is an affordable Internet designed to help families and students in low-income households have reliable access to the internet. The program offers up to 150 Mbps Internet* to qualifying low-income households in Astound serviceable areas.

To ensure the fastest response, please apply online at internetfirst.com. You may also download the application and email to ifdocuments@astound.com with your Proof of Eligibility documents.

The Internet First program is open to eligible participants. You may qualify if you:

• Live in a serviceable area.
• Are a participant in or have a dependent member of the household who is a participant in public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, Students under federal assisted aid programs, SSI, and others.
• Have not subscribed to our services within the sixty (60) day period immediately prior to applying for the program.
• The above does not apply to ACP customers who are transitioning to Internet First as part of the ACP wind down efforts.

Please apply using a laptop, tablet, desktop computer or any Android or IOS mobile device. Go to: https://www.internetfirst.com.

Proof of Eligibility Customers must submit ONE form of primary identification or TWO forms of secondary identification, plus Proof of Eligibility from the lists below.  The online application process allows you to upload your documents.

The Internet First program requires Proof of Eligibility. Customers must submit ONE of the following:

Proof of Eligibility – Accepted Documents

• MEDICAID: card or most recent eligibility letter for an adult in your household
• Public housing assistance: documentation such as your lease, housing assistance payment (HAP) contract, or eligibility documentation from HUD
• Unemployment: verification letter
• SNAP: letter indicating you are approved for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits
• TANF: eligibility letter for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• SSI: eligibility letter for Supplemental Security Income
• NSLP/Head Start: copy of a letter indicating current participation in the National School Lunch Program or Head Start, with your child’s name, the school name, and the address of where you are requesting service
• LIHEAP: letter confirming your eligibility for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• WIC: eligibility letter for the Women, Infants, and Children program
• Students under federal assisted aid programs can qualify for Internet First by supplying an award letter
• VA PENSION: veterans pension eligibility determination letter from the Veterans Administration
• Tribal assistance: eligibility letter, including TTANF, FDPIR, etc.
• MassHealth card: card for Massachusetts residents with a 12 digit ID

Primary Identification – Accepted Documents

Customer must submit ONE of the following:

• Current US, Mexican or Canadian driver’s license or state photo ID or expired photo driver’s license which is not more than five (5) years old from the expiration date.
• Current US Passport
• Current Foreign Country Passport
• Current photo US Military ID/Merchant Marine card
• Current photo US Military Dependent card
• Valid Resident Alien Card Permanent Resident Card (INS Form I-551)
• Certification of US Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
• Certification of Naturalization (N550, N-570, or N578)
• Employment Authorization Documentation (INS Form I-688 or I-766)
• Photo employment ID card issued by US Government agency prison ID cards are not acceptable
• Current Welfare/Social Services photo ID card

Secondary Identification – Accepted Documents

Customer must submit TWO of the following:

• Non-photo driver’s license
• US Department of State Non-Immigrant Visa
• Social Security card
• Court demand in applicant’s name’  must contain full name, date of birth (DOB), court seal
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal name change
• Current weapons or gun permit with photo
• Current school photo ID card
• Medicare/Medicaid card

You may use your mobile device to take photos of Proof of Eligibility documents from the list above. Please refer to the acceptable list of file formats. If a document includes multiple pages, please upload pictures of ALL pages. Make sure that all documents are readable. If a document is unreadable, it may delay your approval and Internet installation.

The following formats are accepted:

• .JPG (JPEG Image File)
• .TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
• .GIF (Graphical Interchange Format File)
• .PNG (Portable Network Graphic)
• .PDF (Portable Document Format File)
• .DOCX (Microsoft Word Open XML Document)
• .DOC (Microsoft Word Document)

Max file size: 7 MB per file

No, we have waived all installation and activation fees with this program.

You may enroll in this program (if you qualify) even if you have an outstanding balance with us from a previously disconnected account. The account holder will still remain responsible for the outstanding debt.

We will endeavor to review each application within 48 hours of receiving all items necessary to determine eligibility. A customer service representative will email you promptly should your application require additional information or Proof of Eligibility documents.

We are committed to connecting Internet as quickly as possible. Installation times may vary based on location, but generally, we will endeavor to install Internet service within 5-7 business days after your application is approved. Installation appointments are subject to availability.

You will be notified via email or telephone that additional information is needed to support their application.

Our Internet First team will email you directly regarding your application status.

To continue receiving the Internet First offer, customers must reapply annually. The same program eligibility rules will apply as follows:

1. Live in a serviceable area
2. Provide the appropriate form(s) of identification, and
3. Be a participant in public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others listed above.

You may apply if you have not subscribed to our services within the sixty (60) day period immediately prior to applying for the program and meet other eligibility requirements:

• Live in a serviceable area.
• Are a participant in or have a dependent member of the household who is a participant in public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, Students under federal assisted aid programs, SSI, and others.
• Provide Proof of Eligibility.

Please call 833-730-0644 if you wish to make the following changes to your account:

• Change name, address, email and / or phone number
• Cancel your Internet First service

There is no contract and you may disconnect Internet service at any time without penalty.

We realize how essential it is for every home to stay connected to the Internet– for teleworking, e-learning and more. That’s why we are offering other economical Internet options to ensure you have the resources you need to stay connected.

Yes, all customers applying MUST submit Proof of Eligibility documents for Internet First.

You can renew through internetfirst.com by submitting current Proof of Eligibility documents.

Current customers can switch to Internet First for a limited time only if they qualify. Existing Internet First customers prior to 2024 must reapply.

Mobile and eero are available with Internet First subscriptions.

Yes, new Internet First customers are eligible for one free Unlimited Mobile line for 12 months as long as the offer is still approved for use. Mobile offers may be subject to change at any time.

The highest speed offering of the Internet First packages is 150 Mbps. If you’re interested in higher speeds you must meet credit check requirements and resolve any back balances.