How you can save money on internet/mobile data during COVID-19

It’s no secret that our internet and phones have become essential to us over the lockdown period.

We have been using the internet to work, hold meetings, keep us entertained, shop for essentials, and even socialize with our friends and family.

Unfortunately, this means that we’ve used more data than normal, and bills have gone up. However, if you are a non-profit employee or an essential worker, there are some options you can take advantage of to help you with your mobile and data bills during this period.

Here are some options that may help you get a grip on your internet/mobile data bills.

Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of digital communication technologies, like smartphones, tablets, and computers, to access and manage your healthcare away from your healthcare provider’s office. This allows people to book appointments and consult with medical professionals over the internet.

One of the major parts of this Lifeline Program is the subsidized Phone and Internet Service.

To help those with limited phone and internet service access, crucial medical care provided using telehealth communications during the COVID-19 crisis, federal, and state government agencies have increased support for the Lifeline program—a free or low-cost telephone and internet services for those in need.

In terms of eligibility, all MassHealth members are eligible to participate in the Lifeline program. You may also qualify if you receive certain state or federal benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, and more. You may also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.

There are multiple carrier partners for the program, so we recommend checking your eligibility to see if you qualify. You can learn more here.

For non-profit organizations/employees:

Verizon MA State Contract

Verizon has a commitment to help with the communications of state and local governments. If you run a non-profit, this means you could be eligible for deals on enterprise telecom solutions. For example, depending on your organization, you can get unlimited data per phone, month to month, for $40/phone.

This is a great option if you run a non-profit and need your staff to be contactable at all times during the crisis. Learn more here.

For essential workers:

Even if you don’t run or work at a non-profit organization, there are some potential discounts you can access.

Verizon

If you are a nurse or a teacher, Verizon (as part of their “Giving more to those who give the most campaign”) is offering some discounts on unlimited wireless plans, for individuals and families.

Eligible nurses and teachers who have a Verizon account with at least 1 smartphone or basic phone on certain Verizon plans can get a monthly discount.

Depending on how many phones you have on qualifying plans, you can save up to $25 per month per account. This gives you all the benefits of the plan you already have at a substantially reduced cost.

If you don’t currently have a contract with Verizon, they have similar discounts in place for eligible new customers.

Learn more and check if you are eligible here for nurses and here for teachers.

Having access to unlimited data is vital at the moment. It allows you to work, socialize, and contact your relatives without fear of a really expensive bill at the end of the month.

If you have any questions, Insource can help. Feel free to get in touch with us and we can help you navigate the options and eligibility criteria to get you the best possible solution. If you’re interested in learning about what you can do to be digitally secure during the COVID-19 pandemic, you find see more from Insource Insights here.

Email us at insource@insourceservices.com or call us on (781) 235-1490.