Free Wi-Fi Tablets Now Available for Low-Income Rural Residents

A new program is helping connect low-income rural residents to the internet. The Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO) launched an Affordable Connectivity Program that provides free Wi-Fi tablets to qualifying households.

Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO)
Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO)

The goal is to increase access to vital online resources. According to CAPNEMO's Lauren Platz, many rural areas lack reliable internet. This makes it hard for residents to access healthcare, jobs, education and more.

Find all available programs for free tablets here: Getting Free Tablets From Government Programs 2023 & 2024

Tablets Come With 5 Years of Free Wi-Fi

Qualifying households receive an Android tablet with five years of free Wi-Fi. This allows people to access the internet even if they can't afford high-speed broadband at home.

The tablets provide camera and social media access too. Platz said this gives opportunities to families who normally couldn't afford them. The tablets open up online learning, research, communication and other resources.

Broad Eligibility Requirements

The requirements to receive a free government tablet or a free wireless Unity tablet are broad. Anyone participating in certain federal assistance programs qualifies. This includes SNAP, Medicaid, WIC and others. Households currently receiving Lifeline subsidies are also eligible.

In addition, qualification is based on income limits. Children or dependents enrolled in free school lunch programs can also make the household eligible.

Tablets Aim to Boost Access to Services

Platz highlighted how the tablets can improve access to healthcare, jobs, schooling and mental health services.

Students can use them if they miss school or need to do research.

Unemployed residents can search and apply for jobs. And rural residents can access telehealth appointments.

The tablets also help community organizations in outlying areas. So the program assists families and non-profits beyond CAPNEMO's five-county service area.

One Tablet Per Household

While there's no age limit, only adults can apply. And there's a limit of one tablet per household. Interested households can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program online.These free tablets represent a valuable way to keep Missouri's rural residents connected.

The Program link ( to apply)

Available ProgramsContactEligibilityStatus
Pcs For People2492 Doswell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108
651-354-2552
low-income individuals and familiesApply Now
FreechildPO Box 1455
Estacada, OR 97023
USA
+1 (360) 489-9680

Children ages 6-18 from low-income families. Apply Now
ConnectED in Ohio, USAApply Now
Freegeek1731 SE 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
low-income individuals and familiesApply Now
Airtalk Wireless+1 (855) 924-7825You may qualify for FREE phone service if you receive assistance from Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP/CalFresh or other government programs, or if you are considered low income.

Apply Now
Maxsip Connects1(866) 629-7471
P.O Box 351 Valley Stream, NY 11582
- If the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Any member of your household can make your household eligible
Apply Now
Cintex Wireless+1 (855) 655-3097Check here: https://apply.cintexwireless.com/applyApply Now
Qlink WirelessCall: 1-855-754-6543
Fax: 1-855-837-5465
support@qlinkwireless.com
You are unemployed or participate in government benefit programs
Apply Now
Assurance WirelessAssurance Wireless
P.O. Box 5040
Charleston, IL 61920-9907
Check here: https://www.assurancewireless.com/lifeline-services/how-qualifyApply Now
Free Tablets and Phones at MCRC
16255 NE 87th St, Ste 140, Redmond.
253-220-6999
253-449-7634
EBT
SSI
Veterans Pension
State Paid Medical or PELL grants
Apply Now
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)ACP Support Center
PO Box 9100
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
- Tax returns, paystubs, benefit letters showing household income under 200% of the Poverty Guidelines.
- Current letters showing participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Housing Assistance, etc.
- Current government ID with DOB/last 4 SSN digits
Current utility bills, paystubs, etc.
- Current ID or utility bills showing name and address
- Complete the ACP Household Worksheet
Apply Now
Lifeline Program for Low-Income ConsumersLifelinetips@fcc.gov, 1-855-455-8477Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty GuidelinesApply Now
EveryoneOnenroll1@everyoneon.org, 877-789-9889Income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on household sizeApply Now
Human-I-T888-391-7249Accepts EBT, free school lunches, SSI, SSDI and other government assistance as proof of low-income statusApply Now
Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO)helpingpeople@capnemo.org, (660) 665-9855The requirements to receive a free tablet are broad. Households currently receiving Lifeline subsidies are also eligible.Apply Now

– Tom Bowen