How to Find a Free Internet Hotspot Near You
- The Illinois State Government has created a drive-up Wi-Fi hotspot finder, located here. The hotspot finder shows free, public Wi-Fi locations that patrons can drive to and access Internet from their car (or sometimes from in the buildings themselves).
Free and Low-cost Internet Options
The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021. Looking to enroll in the ACP? Apply now at GetInternet.gov.
Learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program by visiting fcc.gov/ACP.
- CUB (Citizens Utility Board) has compiled a list of Internet/Broadband services programs for low-income households in Illinois.
Here is a short summary of low cost Internet options, including temporary COVID-19 related packages:
- If one person in your household is on SNAP, AT&T is offering access to Internet with speeds up to 10mbps for $10/month.
- AT&T is:
- Expanding 'Access from AT&T' eligibility to households with an income 135% or less than federal poverty guideline as well as households participating in National School Lunch and Head Start Program.
- If approved for Emergency Broadband Benefit, eligible households can enroll and receive internet at no charge with AT&T Internet plans (768k-100M) with AT&T Fiber (100M only).
- If you are a new costumer and one person in your family is on public assistance (NSLP or SSI), Spectrum is offering access to internet with speeds up to 30mbps for $10-15/month, along with Security Suite with an internet modem, at no additional charge.
- Comcast's Internet Essentials package (for Xfinity customers who are on public assistance programs like SNAP, NSLP, SSI, and others) offers access to Internet with speeds up to 50/10mbps for $9.95/month. Internet Essentials plus: 100/10 mbps internet service for just $29.95 a month plus tax.
- FCC Lifeline discount: Households that make less than 135% of the federal poverty guideline or have one member on public assistance programs can get $9.25 off monthly internet OR phone bill
- For households on Tribal Lands, they can get $34.25 off monthly internet OR phone bill.
More Information on Internet in Illinois and COVID-19
- The Illinois State Government released a 5-year Broadband Strategic Plan. Governor Pritzker hopes by 2024, all Illinois homes, businesses, and community institutions throughout the state will have access to basic Internet service.
- The Illinois Department of Commerce is offering grants to help local institutions address the Internet and technology needs in their communities. Information about applying can be found here.
Free Hotspots and/or WI-FI available at local public libraries
Please Note: Check your local library's website for updated information on what services they are offering.
Geneva Public Library
227 S. 7th St., Geneva, IL, 60134 | 630-232-0780
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday: 9:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m., Saturday: 12:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m.
Patrons can check out Wi-Fi hotspot equipment from the Geneva Public Library here. The library also has computers, laptops, and tablets that patrons can use in 1-hour increments. Guest passes are available for non-GPL card holders.
Hotspot: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
St. Charles Public Library
1 S. 6th Ave, St. Charles, IL, 60174 | 630-584-0076
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
The St. Charles Public Library has Wi-Fi hotspot equipment for patrons to check out. Patrons can also use Wi-Fi and public computers in the library. For more information call 630-584-0076, text 630-998-7275 or live-chat with a reference librarian here.
Hotspot: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
Aurora Public Library
630-264-4117
Santori Library | 101 S. River St., Aurora, IL, 60506
Eola Road Branch | 555 S. Eola Rd, Aurora, IL, 60504
West Branch | 233 S. Constitution Dr., Aurora, IL, 60506
All Libraries: Sunday: 1:00pm -5:00pm, Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Aurora Public Library has Wi-Fi hotspot equipment for patrons to check out. Patrons can also use Wi-Fi and public computers in the library. Appointments are no longer required to visit the library, but computer sessions are limited to 60 min per day per patron.
Hotspot: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
Batavia Public Library
10 S Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL, 60510 | 630-879-1393
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm., Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 pm.
Patrons can check out Wi-Fi hotspot equipment from the Batavia Public Library here. Patrons can also use Wi-Fi and public computers in the library on a limited basis. Computer appointments are encouraged. Call 630-879-1393 ext. 2 to make an appointment.
Hotspot: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
Messenger Public Library of North Aurora
113 Oak St., North Aurora, IL 60542 | 630-896-0240
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday, Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sunday: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
The North Aurora Public Library has Wi-Fi hotspot equipment for patrons to check out. Patrons can also use Wi-Fi and computers in the library.
Hotspot: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
Gail Borden Public Library District
Main Building | 270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120 | 847-742-2411
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Rakow Branch | 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL, 60124 | 847-531-7271
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
South Elgin Branch | 127 South McLean Blvd., South Elgin, IL, 60177 | 847-931-2090
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Gail Borden Public Library has Wi-Fi hotspot equipment for patrons to check out, and patrons can also use Wi-Fi and public computers in the building for a maximum of 2 hours per day per patron. Guest passes for non-GBPLD card holders are available.
Hotspot: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove | Route 47 @ Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9454
Aurora Downtown | 18 S. River St., Aurora, IL 60506-4134
Aurora Fox Valley | 2060 Ogden Ave, Aurora, IL 60504-7222
Plano | 100 Waubonsee Drive, Plano, IL 60545
Waubonsee offers an open wireless Internet connection for guests on all campuses on the WCC-Guest network (no password required).
