Best internet and mobile plans for veterans and military families

There are 20 million* active military personnel and veterans in the U.S., making up 6% of the population. Many businesses honor their service through discounted products and internet service providers (ISPs) are no exception.

Our experts researched the current military-related discounts for internet providers:

Astound

Although Astound doesn’t offer a specific military internet discount, the ISP does offer Internet First, a discounted option well-suited for a military lifestyle.

The plans offers:

• No contract, credit check or data caps
• Free installation and activation
• Wi-Fi included
• Unlimited mobile included for a year, with conditions
• Up to 150 Mbps for $19.95/mo.

AT&T

Military, veterans and their families can get 25% off wireless plans and bundle savings on AT&T internet fiber plans with a cellphone plan. Active duty members and veterans can see if they qualify by completing the verification form.

Cox

Cox offers several options for qualified homes but not a specific military internet discount:

• ConnectAssist: up to 100 Mbps for $30.00/mo.
• Connect2Compete: up to 100 Mbps for $9.95/mo.
• StraightUp Internet: up to 100 Mbps for $50.00/mo. prepaid

DISH

DISH offers a military discount that varies depending on the plan you pick. The offer includes:

• Stars and Stripes channel pack
• Hopper DVR with 500 hours of HD storage
• Free On Demand movie rental every month
• Military discounts guaranteed for two years

Viasat

Viasat offers discounted satellite connections through the Connect America Fund. The discount is $61.99/mo. for 24 months and $86.99/mo. thereafter.

Xfinity

Xfinity offers its Rewards Diamond status to military and veterans, which is the highest tier. With Diamond status, you can access deals like a subscription to Peacock Premium included with your Xfinity internet.

Other programs for military families

Lifeline is a government program that offers a $9.25/mo. discount on phone or internet service. 

WeSalute, formerly Veterans Advantage, offers free and paid memberships that secure special partnerships with marketplaces and businesses to pass on discounts to military members and their families. 

Some of WeSalute’s partners offer discounted phone services like Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile and Samsung.

Discounted phone plans for military veterans and active service members

AT&T

Military members, veterans and their families are eligible for a 25% discount on AT&T unlimited phone plans.

US Cellular

US Cellular offers 15% off monthly plans for current military members and veterans. 

Verizon

Verizon offers active military members and veterans mobile phone plans starting at $25.00/mo. and its Fios internet starting at $45.00/mo. Verizon also offers 25% off accessories.

Samsung

Samsung offers up to 30% off plans and accessories for qualified military and veterans.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers 40% off family lines to active duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

Spectrum

Spectrum offers active duty military the option to cancel their Spectrum home phone service but retain their phone number for up to three years so they can reactivate it when needed.

*Sources: USAFacts, Pew Research Center and Statista.