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Low-Cost Devices: Laptops, Hotspots, and More

Posted on 06/25/2026

Image from EveryoneOn.org of a desktop computer, laptop computer, and hotspot device.

In a major push to close the digital divide, the California Department of Technology (CDT) has launched an updated interactive portal on its Broadband for All website. The online tool connects California residents with affordable home internet plans, free digital literacy training, and discounted computers and devices.

How the Tool Works

The portal simplifies the process of finding financial assistance for technology into three straightforward steps:

1. Enter a ZIP Code: Users start by typing in their ZIP code to populate localized offers.
2. Check Eligibility Conditions: Select from a checklist of various household and public assistance programs such as WIC,
3. Review Offers: The system instantly generates a customized list of low-cost internet services and device promotions available in that specific area.

Who Qualifies?

The tool is designed to help low-income households and individuals enrolled in public benefit programs. Students and families may qualify if they participate in any of the following:

• Income Thresholds: Households of four with an annual income at or below $49,000.
• Education Programs: Households with a K-12 or college student, or those participating in Head Start or the National School Lunch Program (free or reduced lunch).
• Public Assistance: Recipients of Medi-Cal (Medicaid), CalFresh (SNAP/food stamps), CalWORKs (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
• Housing & Energy Aid: Residents living in public housing or receiving assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
• Other Benefits: Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefits, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), or Bureau of Indian Affairs benefits.

A Resource for Adult Educators and Students

Residents can explore their local options by visiting the official Broadband for All Affordable Service Programs page. The system also allows users to print or save their customized results as a PDF, making it easy to bring to an internet provider or use during enrollment.

1. Human-I-T

   

   • Provides Low-Cost Hardware: Offers affordable computers, laptops, tablets, and accessories to individuals and underserved communities through their online store.
   • Offers Bilingual Tech Support: Provides 24/7 technical support in multiple languages to ensure users can successfully operate their devices.
   • Refurbishes Technology: Transforms end-of-life electronics and e-waste into usable devices instead of letting them go to waste.

2. Computers 2 Kids

   

   • Technology Assistance: They provide low-cost refurbished computers, digital tools, and affordable internet access to low-income children and families.
   • Impact: 309,542 distributed computers and supported 1.1M children and adults
   • Free Lifetime Technical Support: Every family that receives a computer from C2K gets free lifetime technical support to ensure their systems stay operational.
   • Workforce Development: Through their TechUp Program, they provide hands-on training, professional certifications, and career pathways in IT and Logistics to empower marginalized populations and foster economic mobility.

3. EveryoneOn

   

   • Core Mission: Everyone On is a non-profit organization focused on closing the digital divide by connecting under-resourced communities to affordable internet, computers, and digital skills training.
   • Impact Metrics: Since 2012, the platform has successfully connected 2,000,000 people to the internet, provided over 10,000 computers, and delivered digital skills training to more than 8,000 participants.