Here comes the cheap internet program for which America’s needy have been waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting Connect2Compete’s national roll-out since the organization first announced in mid-2012 that the roll-out would happen in “early 2013”. Apparently we were a bit too aggressive because we assumed that meant January 1. But truth be told, we can’t complain that the national roll-out will begin in the first quarter of 2013.
After successfully completing a series of test programs around the country, Connect2Compete will launch nationally on March 21 in order to bring inexpensive digital opportunities to all low-income Americans.
The program offers low-income families high-speed internet access for just $9.95 per month plus other benefits such as refurbished laptops and desktop computers for just $150, and free internet training.
It’s easy to qualify for all these benefits, too. You qualify if you meet these three simple standards: Your family must have at least one student enrolled in the Free School Lunch Program, not be a current subscriber to broadband (or not have subscribed in the last 90 days, and not have had an overdue bill or unreturned equipment to one of the participating internet providers.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “Zach Leverenz, Connect2Compete’s chief executive officer, said Tuesday that he hoped to have one million families enrolled in the discounted Internet service in its first year.”
Connect2Compete’s mission statement says it “will help Americans access technology through three exciting offers: free digital literacy training, discounted high-speed Internet, and low-cost computers. To promote the work, Connect2Compete will create a national outreach campaign focused on the importance of technology to develop digital skills and find new opportunities.”
Connect2Compete counts some heavy hitters among its supporters. It’s a consortium of public, private and non-profit groups including Comcast, Cox Cable, Time Warner Cable, MicroSoft, Best Buy, Intel, CitiBank the Urban League, United Way, and many others.
Visit: Connect2Compete
Paula Davis says
My area code is 41018. i live in Kentucky. do we qualify?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are unable to track service status down to the zip code level, Paula. But you can check by plugging your zip code into the box on this page:
http://everyoneon.org
James Walsh says
Haven’t had internet well Wi-Fi over 2 years. My son is going on Christmas break and that’s really all he wanted for Christmas so he can play with his friends and be able to do his homework so I was hoping to try to get that as soon as possible but I can’t really find a link to make that happen thank you James P Walsh
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find all the low-income internet plans available, James. Check them out closely to find out which ones are available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Don says
my zip code is 13126 do i quailfy
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Qualify for what, Don? A low cost computer? Computer training?
Visit the EveryoneOn.org website. You can plug in your zip code and it will tell you what programs are available in your area.
Treea says
My area code is 81503, do I qualify? Thanks
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Connect2Compete is now called EveryonOne.org. Just go to that website and you’ll be able to plug in your zip code to find out what services it offers in your area.
Harry says
I live in Cumberland Md.(21502 ). Cheapest internet here is in the $60 – $70 range. I am on SNAP as are many people here in this depressed area. I would like to bring this to someones attention – can you tell me who to write to in Maryland?\
Thank you,Harry Elmore
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can check all the low-income internet plans at this link, Harry:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
You’ll need to go through each of them to find out if they are available in your state.
Robert Hudon says
We, my wife and I are well below poverty rate, and are in need of help with internet connection.
We are in 32340.
Debra Johnson says
I am unemployed. And my son only works part time. We can’t afford to pay for internet service. And ee both desperately need home Internet access for our continued job search.
Please help!
Debra Johnson
vtrucs says
So once again, older women are left to find their own ice-floe and climb on.
I don’t yet qualify for the sub poverty level social security I’m supposed to get after paying into it for over thirty years of full time work. I was forced out of my last two jobs so young men who couldn’t even do the job could receive their welfare – i.e. get paid for nothing.
This program requires that I justify my existence yet again by raising some man’s kids. The only one that doesn’t, centurylink’s, has – surprise! a major catch 22 requirement: no prior telephone provider in the area. Well, that covers just about all the country so I guess they’re out of providing what they didn’t want to anyway. And a second class group – women – are thrown on the scrap heap again.