Both Internet Basics and Internet Essentials are $9.95. But eligibility differs.
Many readers ask us what the difference is between the two primary low-income cheap internet programs, Internet Basics and Internet Essentials. They can be confusingly similar since they both deliver high-speed broadband internet, either via DSL or cable, for a dirt cheap price. But, even though they both offer their plans to those who can least afford it, the eligibility requirements are completely different.
First, the similarities: Both programs are only $9.95 per month. Considering broadband internet is usually about forty to sixty dollars a month, it’s a heck of a bargain, and a dream come true for so many who cannot afford what has become a necessity these days. But that’s not all. Both programs give you the option of buying an internet-ready personal computer for just $150. That, too, is considerably less expensive than you’ll find anywhere else.
But wait, there’s more. You’ll also get training, either on the internet or in person at any one of over a hundred training centers in communities around the United States.
Now, let’s dig deeper for the differences.
Internet Basics
The Internet Basics program was created by telecommunications giant CenturyLink, and is targeted to eligible Americans based on their financial situation.
The plan offers a DSL broadband connection running at 1.5 MBPS at $9.95 per month, plus taxes and fees, for the first 12 months. After one year, the price goes to $14.95 per month; still a bargain.
Be careful of the early termination fee which can be up to $200, depending upon how early in your minimum service period you cancel.
As we said, both programs offer a discount-priced computer. With Internet Basics, for $150, plus tax, shipping and handling, you’ll get a new, Internet-ready network computer. A netbook computer is a small laptop computer that is primarily designed to access internet applications.
There are two ways someone who finds himself or herself on the lower rung of the financial ladder can qualify:
- you are eligible if you are on at least one of the major government assistance programs, such as food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SSI, public housing assistance, Section 8 housing, National School Lunch, some energy programs and various state-specific programs (detailed on their website).
- you are eligible if you if you can show that your income is under a certain level, which depending upon the state in which you live, is less than either 135% or 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Internet Basics is available in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Internet Essentials
The Internet Essentials program was created by Comcast, the national communications company, and it is designed to help kids in struggling families get online so they can do their schoolwork and better prepare themselves in this competitive world.
As opposed to Internet Basics’ DSL, Internet Essentials gives you broadband internet through cable, at speeds between 1.5 – 3.0 MBPS. The cost is also $9.95 a month, plus tax, but unlike Internet Basics, there is no wording about the cost rising after the first year. The $150 computer Internet Basics offers is a refurbished laptop, loaded with Office 2007 and Norton antivirus software.
The Internet Essentials program eligibility is very specific and there is only one requirement: you must have one child living in your household that is eligible to receive a reduced or free school lunch through the National School Lunch Program. Since this school lunch program is based on the income of the child’s household income, any child in a low-income family should be able to qualify.
Internet Essentials does not have a specific list of states on their website, but they say it is available in those that have Comcast Cable service. Call them to check on your own area, but we show they are in the Comcast states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Minnesota, Michigan, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia (DC).
Why You May Not Be Eligible
Both programs come with a critical caveat. You cannot currently be, or have been in the last 90 days, a customer of the internet company to which you are applying. That means that if you are applying for Internet Basics, you cannot have been a CenturyLink DSL customer in the last 90 days; if you are applying for Internet Essentials, you cannot have been a Comcast Cable customer in the last 90 days. We’re sorry to report that this hits quite a few applicants. In addition — and this is understandable — you cannot have any outstanding bills to the company, nor can you have any unreturned equipment.
See if there’s service at your address
You can contact both Internet Basics and Internet Essentials through their web page or by phone. There are no maps to check to see if either serves your location, so you’ll have to check with them. If you qualify for both, contact both. If you are lucky, you will have a choice and will be able to pick the company whose service and terms best match your needs.
We have a page with more information for each company, along with the complete contact information, and how to apply:
For more information on Internet Essentials, go here.
For more information on Internet Basics, go here.
Good luck!
brittany cox says
i have a child in school . who needs internet for his e-learning , i really need to switch to this internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Do it. Make the switch. It’s a great deal for those with low-income.
Amber says
The information is incorrect. I do not have a child in school and qualify for Internet Essentials from Comcast.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Looks like you ran across an old, old article from way back in 2013. The program has seen several major expansions since then. Here’s our latest article (from just last week) outlining ALL the people who are now eligible.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/internet-essentials
Anja Brown says
I can’t use the address I pay rent at this losing out on internet and the yearly rent rebate etc , because of losing out on benifits he’s getting because he wants me to pay extra
. Wat recourse do I have ?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Call your chosen service provider’s customer service team to find out if there is any way that you are eligible.
Justin Jackson says
Why did my bill go from $10. A month to $140.?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are neither Internet Basics nor Internet Essentials, Justin, so there’s no possible way for us to know. Check with your service provider.
Debra Todd says
I live in a different State but my daughter and her children are on SNAP and both children are on the free lunch program. She works at a minimum wage job as it is and can barely keep essentials. Am I able to pay for her Internet basics or Internet essentials in order for her children to be on the Internet? Instead of her paying for it?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’ve never been asked that question before, Debra, and we don’t have a definitive answer. However, common sense tells us that after your daughter enrolls, the company won’t care who pays for the service. But the only way to make sure is to speak to customer service.
Amber says
Why don’t you just pay it for her. Why say something to someone?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
???????
Margie L Tanner says
Internet service that I want is so confusing. I wish they could make it easier I’m totally lost and trying to find basic internet service for low-income and Medicaid third I receive. Please help.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can read about all the low-income internet plans, what their eligibility rules are, and where they are available, Margie:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
nikki says
I have Low income that meet one of your program, I’m currently receiving basic internet @ 1.5 mbps. I was wondering if there some way I’m able to receive higher mbps for my children to stream live tv ect… without it freezing at smaller cost?. I don’t have cable not able to afford it, that’s why we do streaming. Thanks
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet plans currently available at this link, Nikki:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Christine says
Bought a laptop for $150 from internet essentials it just came mind you it is a refurbished one however that should not matter when I’m paying for something so my children can do there homework on just as any other child who does not qualify for the program. Most of the keys on the laptop do not work at all. The entire middle row plus a few other buttons. So basically to me this is money I just threw away! How will they be able to use it if they can only operate a handful of letters? I don’t think they should be selling these at discounted rates if there not going to work properly! #madmom
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We agree with you 100%, Christine. Don’t take this kind of treatment. Contact the company again and ask to speak to a supervisor.
linnea johnson says
i am an independent contractor and i pretty much work side jobs to earn my living. i barely make ends meet. i don’t make low enough income to get financial aide from the state. i need mobile wifi for both my phone and lap top while im on the go for buisness purposes. so I’m constantly on the go and can’t afford higher phone plans. i need my wifi to be unlimited and to be able to be used no matter where i am.yet affordable as well. can u help
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It sounds as if you may only qualify for one of the low-income plans, Linnea. Check out PCs for People at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Actually, check out all the programs. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find another one you qualify for.
cynthia tannis says
I’ve never had any of ur services. I’m on a fixed income S.S.A. n I have optimum for a long time. whn I was working I cud afford the service, nw I’m retired, n had to DWN grade their pkg. but it’s still to high for my income n I’m considering turning off the service, or jus get internet service . and tht still will be a strain. I’ve heard of Comcast n was told it was gud n reasonable. I’d like to maybe speak with someone about ur services. I even had to turn off my touch Phn cause the cable I had was to much.n I cudn’t keep my Phn on. I’m trying to keep the small pkg I have with optimum economy pkg, but it’s doesn’t give much programs tht I like since I dwngraded the pkg. sorry for making ths so long, my hme Phn is 718 783 6573, I’d like to speak with someone to see if i can get 1 of ur services. I get food stamps n Medicare if tht will help.i f I’m eligible for ur cheap pkg, I maybe can get my Phn back on thru ur services too. I truly hope so, I’ve been trying to find a much cheaper Serv. so I won’t have to turn off any thing. I have a desk pc already.thanks 4 listening. looking forward to hear from you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of options, Cynthia, and more coming all the time. Here’s where you can find a listing of all the low-income plans currently available:
https://www.cheapinternet.com
There will be additional plans coming around December 1, but we hope one of these plans works for you now.
Gilberto says
Hi, im low income but, i only can probe this with my last year tax form, my son is going to comunity college and we really need the internet service, unfortunally i cant get it a tegular price. I hopethe program can help me. Thanks¡
Susan L Green says
Want to see for 9.95 internet, and cable or DSL TV service in 93610 qualify by recieve govt assisted food Stamps and below poverty level income. But in Central valley area in Ca. Area
Chowchilla is actual location.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the available programs with the link we’ve provided below, Susan. They’re not all available everywhere, so check with the companies’ websites or customer service teams to find one that’s available in your area.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
cecelia says
once again senior citizens get screwed. food stamps only if you have children, medicaid only if you have children, obamacare no dental or vision, except for children. connect2care, sorry, families with children only. Well I had 3 children, now I have 3 adults who are american so of course they don’t help their mother. Thanks for the good ole American Values! Only people treated worse in this country are veterans.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Well, Cecelia, you may not be able to count on the government, but private enterprise may come to your rescue. Check out the PCs for People program. It is available to anyone with a qualifying income. And that the permissible income levels are much higher than with the other programs. It’s available anywhere in the country where the Sprint cell network is available. We hope that includes the area where you live. Find more about the program here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Alicia Smith says
My family qualifies for both but because my mom has me on her bill at the house the service is needed, I can’t qualify. Is this still the case. The comcast is hers but I an low income and have qualifying children as well.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can only qualify for one Lifeline discount — either home phone, wireless phone or Internet. It sounds as if you might not qualify (unless we’re misreading your situation).
PM says
I would like to get internet and basic cable for an elderly neighbor on a fixed income. She has been hospitalized many times and has not been able to keep up with her HIGH cost of internet cable and cell phone. Is there a package that can be offered to her? Chicago 60634
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We do not have the capability of answering questions on a zip code-by-zip code basis, but here’s what you can do, PM:
Go to the “States” link at the top of this page. Click on your state. That page will show you a chart that lists all the companies offering low-income Internet available in your area. It’s up to you to find out if they service your particular area. Good luck.
sloanne mejias says
hight my name sloanne mejias, i leave in philadelphia pa with 3 kids with out no social networks, i realuy needs help for internet for thim.thank you for your consideration
adela says
My son have special needs and he need s to get internet to play games to help learn basic things ,he is going to need in hes live
Edris Spence says
I would like to get internet for school. i am pursuing my masters in mental health on lin and needs acess to the internet.
Serena Butler says
I will like to get the internet service at a very low cost price so my some can get educational support game and stuff like( abc mouse) to help in his education growth.
I can afford $9.95 up to $12.00 a month for internet for my son .
Luiz says
This sucks. I leaning more into Internet Essentials, but I have to have a kid to get it? There is a lot of us low income people out there who don’t have kids you know…
Lizica McD says
I don’t understand why there isn’t a program for the elderly who are on a fixed income and are defiantly eligible and under the US poverty guidelines.
Why does Comcast exclude the elderly. Don’t we have doctors appointments and other necessary communications. All my medical records are online, but I can’t access them. There is defiantly discrimination going on here and must be addressed. Lizica
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Internet Essentials was developed as part of a deal with the FCC, they had to start the program in order to approve a Comcast merger. It’s not a profitable venture for them and they will only do what they need to do. And the wider the reach of IE, the higher the cost regularly priced internet will be to the non-low income. The only way it will be expanded will be by further political pressure.
John says
The so called “Net Book” may be a disapointment for some,I know it would be for me! and here’s why;The”Net Book”Only works online and not offline! This means;no movies or music or doing home work,typing,whatever,unless you are conected to the internet! and that is why it is cheap or evan free in some cases-Bottom line is it sucks,in my opinion
anonomous says
i don’t spend $150 easily…obviously, since i’m looling at low income internet options….
so i’m really frustrated that there is NO information about the “notebook” from century link anywhere…other than it’s $150…called a notebook and comes with “only 2010 office software”….
i would never buy a computer without knowing a LOT more than this…not even for $150…esp for that…since i could go to some shops i know of and get a computer for that or near it with all the things i want…
oye!
Dan says
Are these subsidized or funded by the federal government?
If not how are they funded?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Nope. No federal funding. Here’s why it was done:
“CenturyLink agreed to offer the Internet Basics plan so that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would approve its 2011 purchase of Qwest Communications, another telephone company.”
bill says
Is there a link to the specs of the laptop?
Cheap Internet Administrator says
You should be able to get the specs from Internet Essentials or Internet Basics.
anonomous says
nope….the only specs…for century link’s “netbook” are that it comes with “ONLY 2010 office software”…NOTHING else…it’s so frustrating!
karen says
I live in a very rural area of Pa, 16922. Can you tell me if there are any services offered here? It is crazy to pay almost 100.00 a month so my daughter can have internet. We have had to give up direct tv, due to the cost, and need to have internet for her school work. I can not cut anymore. Do you also know anything about the cell phones for low income? Last I knew we in Potter County had nothing near us.
jennifer says
live in san diego, on government assistance programs + ssda. does centuryLink or Comcast cable service this area?
melissa erlacher says
I would like to get enternate essencils, i have asurance wirless and have had if for a couple years now and love it. i also have 3 kids that are on free lunch and we recieve food stamps as well!
Cheap Internet Administrator says
You are eligible. Just a matter of if there is service in your area. so go to their site and give it a shot. It would sure help your kids.