What can I ask for on my internet bill?

Ask about a new promotional rate for 12 to 24 months, a lower or equal-price speed tier, waived equipment rental, or using your own modem, dropping add-ons you don't use, an autopay or paperless discount and a mobile and internet bundle discount.

How to lower your internet bill

Call your internet provider and ask for the retention or loyalty team. Say something like: "I've been a loyal customer, but I can get a better price elsewhere, so I'm thinking of cancelling. What can you offer to keep me?" Ask for a new promotional rate for 12 to 24 months and a lower or equal-price speed tier. You may also qualify for Lifeline.

Checked 27 September 2026 · US

Guides for your provider

Who to ask for

Ask for the retention or loyalty team. Saying you want to cancel usually gets you there.

Call the customer service number on your bill and say you are thinking of cancelling. That usually reaches the retention or loyalty team, who can offer the best deals.

Before you call

Find your current price, speed and any promo end date on your bill.
Look up the new-customer price for the same or faster speed from your provider and one competitor at your address.
Check whether you rent the modem or router, and what it costs each month.

What to say to your provider

Hi, I've been a customer for [years]. My bill has gone up to [amount] and that's more than I want to pay.

I can get [speed] from [competitor] for [price] at my address, so I'm thinking of cancelling.

Before I do, what can you offer to keep me? I'd like to stay if the price is closer to [target].

Fill in the parts in square brackets with your own numbers before you call.

Offers to ask for

A new promotional rate for 12 to 24 months
A lower or equal-price speed tier
Waived equipment rental, or using your own modem
Dropping add-ons you don't use
An autopay or paperless discount
A mobile and internet bundle discount

If they say no

Ask politely to be transferred to the retention or loyalty team. Saying "cancel" at the phone menu usually gets you there.
Ask them to note the account and escalate to a supervisor.
If it's still no, thank them, end the call and try again another day. Different agents can offer different deals.
Be ready to actually switch. The best offers often come after you book a cancellation.

Best time to call

Call about 30 days before a promotion or renewal ends, on a weekday morning when queues are shorter. Have your account number, PIN and latest bill to hand.

Confirm the deal in writing

After the call, send this by chat or email:

Hi, confirming what we agreed today, [date]: my new price is [amount] a month for [months] months, starting on my next bill, with [changes]. The agent was [name or ID]. Please reply to confirm. Thank you.

When to switch

If they won't get close to the competitor's price, it is often worth switching. Book the new service first, then cancel, and return rented equipment for a receipt.

Stop renting your modem

If your bill shows a monthly modem or gateway rental fee, buying your own modem often pays for itself within a year. Check your provider's list of approved modems before you buy, and return the rented one for a receipt.

See cable modems on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Lower My Bill earns from qualifying purchases. Links never change the advice.

Help paying your internet bill

Yes, there is help. Lifeline takes up to $9.25 a month off internet or phone service if you're on SNAP, Medicaid or have a lower income, and most big providers have low-cost plans, like Astound Internet First from $9.95, Xfinity Internet Essentials from $14.95, Spectrum Internet Assist, Access from AT&T and Verizon Forward. The old ACP program ended in 2024.

Lifeline (federal)

A monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet or bundled service (up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands).

Who qualifies: Households on programmes like SNAP or Medicaid, or with income under a set limit. In Oregon and Texas you apply through your state.

How to apply: Apply at lifelinesupport.org, or call (800) 234-9473.

Official page

211 (United Way)

Free, confidential referrals to local help with bills, food, housing and more.

Who qualifies: Anyone.

How to apply: Call 211 or visit 211.org.

Official page

Provider low-cost plans

Compare low-cost internet plans: prices and who qualifies

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024 and no longer gives new discounts. Lifeline and the providers' own low-cost plans are still available.

If a phone, internet or TV company won't fix a billing problem, you can file a free complaint with the FCC. The FCC sends it to the company, which has to reply. File an FCC complaint.

Official programmes are free to apply for. Nobody legitimate charges a fee to sign you up.

Quick answers

Who do I ask for to lower my internet bill?: Ask for the retention or loyalty team. Saying you want to cancel usually gets you there.
What can I ask for on my internet bill?: Ask about a new promotional rate for 12 to 24 months, a lower or equal-price speed tier, waived equipment rental, or using your own modem, dropping add-ons you don't use, an autopay or paperless discount and a mobile and internet bundle discount.
When should I switch internet provider?: If they won't get close to the competitor's price, it is often worth switching. Book the new service first, then cancel, and return rented equipment for a receipt.
Is there help paying my internet bill?: Yes, there is help. Lifeline takes up to $9.25 a month off internet or phone service if you're on SNAP, Medicaid or have a lower income, and most big providers have low-cost plans, like Astound Internet First from $9.95, Xfinity Internet Essentials from $14.95, Spectrum Internet Assist, Access from AT&T and Verizon Forward. The old ACP program ended in 2024.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still available?: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024 and no longer gives new discounts. Lifeline and the providers' own low-cost plans are still available.

Sources

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Other bills

General tips, not financial or insurance advice. Offers vary by area and account, so compare the final price, contract and fees before you agree to anything.