On May 18, Charter Communications “closed escrow” on its purchase of rivals Time-Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. That’s great news for America’s neediest citizens because Charter has promised to introduce a brand new high-speed, low-income Internet plan within six months of that date, which means the new plan should launch by November 18, 2016.
The service, which will be offered everywhere Charter offers cable service within three years. The cost? Just $14.99 per month. That’s $5 per month more than Comcast’s Internet Essential and CenturyLink’s Internet Basics, but Charter customers will get extra speed for their extra dollars. The new plan will give you speeds of up to 30 Mbps downstream and 4 Mbps upstream (which exceeds the Federal Communications Commission’s definition of broadband (currently set at 25Mbps down by 3Mbps up).
And, finally, there will be no data caps on this new plan. That’s a huge win for struggling Americans. It means your kids can do all their homework, downloading every video they need to succeed in school, and your family can download films, too, without fear of running out of allowable gigabytes.
Who will be eligible?
The Charter program is aimed at families with students who participate in the National School Lunch Program and seniors 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income.
There are a couple small “catches” you should be aware of. You cannot have had a Charter, Time-Warner or Bright House broadband subscription within 60 days of enrolling. And if you owe money to any of the companies, you must pay it off before you will be considered eligible.
Other than that, you’re good to go.
Qualified applicants will receive a free modem and a self-installation kit. Hopefully, they include a detailed booklet because if you’re as technologically inept as CheapInternet.com’s editor, you’ll never figure out how to do the installation. (Just kidding. We’re confident that Charter will make the whole process foolproof).
In addition to the high-speed cable service, you will also be eligible to receive what Charter calls “promotional” video and phone service bundle offers. (It sounds to us as if Charter is getting a jump by aligning its new program to match up with the new Lifeline Broadband requirements demanded by the Federal Communications Commission.)
Where will it be available?
Remember that Charter is scheduled to begin rolling the program out in November of this year. “Begin” is the key word. The company has not yet announced in which markets the roll-out will begin, but it has promised to extend the program within three years everywhere it and its acquisition partners do business.
Here’s how Charter defined its new, expanded business territory in a recent press release:
The combination of Charter, TWC and Bright House will create a leading broadband services and technology company, serving over 25 million customers in 41 states. The completion of the transactions will drive investment into the combined entity’s advanced broadband network, resulting in faster broadband speeds, better video products, more affordable phone service and more competition, for consumers and businesses.
Let’s do a quick review of the states in which the three individual companies currently offer cable service.
NOTE: When the program is finally introduced, we will create a unique page for this new high-speed, low-income plan from Charter, Time Warner and Bright House. It will provide far more detail than this page as soon as that information is made available.
Charter – Available in 28 states including Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts , Michigan, Minnesota , Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
Time Warner Cable – Available in 29 states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
Bright House – Available in six states including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Michigan
Give it a name, Charter!
This new low-cost, high-speed Internet plan is great news for millions of Americans who live in areas of the country where similar plans are unavailable. But for god’s sake, Charter, please ask your advertising and marketing people to come up with a catchy name for the program.
We’re going to tear our hair out if we are forced to say “Charter’s low-cost, high-speed Internet plan every time we refer to it. It will make life easier for your customers and your customer service people, too.
h/t: Multichannel
Willette says
I have a question for eligibility. I am not a senior however I receive disability and I am in the section 8 program and receive SNAP benefits would I be eligible for be Charter? Also I noticed that the Time Warner is available in Pennsylvania. I was wondering if it is also included in Williamsport Pennsylvania Lycoming County?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Cal each of the companies to see if they service your address.
Christine Powell says
Just wanting to know why I haven’t received a call or email saying when they will hook me up been approved since Nov.18th or so , And still have not heard anything since.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We don’t know who you enrolled with, but you need to speak to its customer service team ASAP, Christine.
Amy Phillips says
Is this still available?What all does it include & how much does it cost?
Tony Lasher says
Low income and hearing impaired need help
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find all the low-income internet plans, Tony:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Elizabeth says
I’m a senior and my income is under $1,200 a month. I can’t believe Charter does not consider that low enough income to give a break to. Other companies helping low income seniors are allowing those living in HUD programs and using food stamps to qualify. I have been limping along with no TV just internet and it has been jacked up to almost $70 now! I just told my friend tonight that I am going to have to quit the internet because $70 would buy a lot of food!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet service providers at the following link, Elizabeth. We’re hoping that you’re eligible for at least one of the ones available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Kristina says
I am in Columbus, Ohio an need Internet, please give me a call If you provide Internet in my area!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
That’s not the way it works, Kristina. You need to contact the service providers to find out if they offers service in your area.
Gabrielle says
It is unfair not to allow those of us who qualify for the program to receive the service just because we are current customers ! We pay the high costs of the internet for our students and we struggle month after month so our children can have the benefits you finally offer at now more affordable rate but yet you disqualify us just because we are CURRENTLY YOUR CUSTOMER !
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We agree with you, Gabrielle. And we suspect that millions of others agree, too.
There may be a way around the problem, depending on where you live. Go to the following link and check out PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They are available anywhere covered by Sprint’s national cell network. We hope it covers you:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Mark says
Great info. I am just turning 61 but I will bookmark this page so I can refer friends to it and when I get to be 65, I can have it ready to go.
Marie says
Greetings…I would like to apply for low income internet service. I am 65yrs of age, on housing, and on ssi for disability. Would you please let me know how I can sign up for this. I do not have tv reception or landline phone. Regards Marie
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of different low-income internet plans available, Marie. You need to check out each of them to find (1) the ones that are available where you live, and (2) the ones you are eligible for. You can find the entire list at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
We’ve provided contact information for each program so you can enroll from the comfort of your own home.
Chuck Rodgers says
Hello
This sounds like a great deal! Having just moved into my new quarters….
I have a couple of concerns about the inter web and cable tee wee.
I’m on disability due to a bad heart and chronic pain from a couple on the job injurys.
So I’m wondering if I’d qualify for this program.?
I live in Memphis Tn 38122
Thank ya… thank Ya Very
much!
Any help and or advice Y’all coul give me would be greatly appriciated.
I don’t have any kidletts living with me but I’m looking for a couple cats n dogs… Lol
Thanks in advance for your help and advice
Chuckles
God bless Yall
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out the two plans that do not require kids in the house: PCs for People and 4GCommunity at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Connie R Green EdS says
Yea! Former SPED Teacher whose Cancer has metastasized twice. Age 61.5. In desperate need of internet, especially for medical and to stay connected with education research and world news.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Do you qualify for one of the low-income plans, Connie? Check them all out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
You can also check out 4GCommunity, another great plan with no income limits, here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/4gcommunity-org-low-cost-internet
Sheila says
It’s called Spectrum Internet Assist. They are in the process of rolling it out now so it’s available only in certain areas. Information can be found at https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can find all the information you need on our Spectrum Internet Assist page. You’ll find it here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Brian Hautau says
Searching for services that apply to the disabled!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Brian, there are no plans specifically for the disabled unless you qualify based on income or participation in the public assistance programs shown on each service provider’s page. However, you might want to take a look at PCs for People at the following link because it allows you to qualify with a far higher income threshold:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Patrick Knoles says
This is funny when I ask you about ways to cut me bill due to me being on ssid you said ohhh no we do not offer such and here I find out you do. Do I get to sign up for this?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s the situation, Patrick: The low-cost seniors program is now available only in areas served by Charter Communications. We’re getting ready to post a story announcing its availability. They promise to make it available in areas served by Time Warner and Bright House by “mid-2017.” Keep an eye out for that new article!
By the way, just to make sure you understand, Patrick, “we” do not offer the program. We are an independent website.
Larry B says
Is this available yet in Massachusetts? Will it be available for people with disabilities? Is there a a name for the program yet?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
No name, no news, no nothin’ yet, Larry. We are shocked no news has come out yet.
Aretta Raines says
I wanted to find out if the low income internet program for low income families is available in Florida yet through Charter?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We were just in communication with Charter reps yesterday. They answered in the negative.
N says
I have been searching your info pages for hours to find a low income internet provider that serves or will serve central NY state (13501) come December 1, 2016, but have not found any.
Have I overlooked a possible provider?
I have checked with Time Warner, Charter, and Verizon representatives and was told they have no plans to offer low income internet.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s our page that lists all the low-income internet service providers. Check them all out to find the ones for which you qualify and the ones available in your area. We put a disclaimer on the list of cities on each provider’s page because it should only be used as a general guide. For specific information, you might want to check each provider’s website. Many of them allow you to plug in your zip code to find out instantaneously if it’s available in your area. With those that don’t offer that ability on their websites, you’ll need to contact customer service. Here’s the page with that list:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Does the Sprint national cell network cover your area? If so, we highly recommend the PCs for People program.
Jaye R Derek says
My At&T U-verse Internet has been given an increase. Therefore, we are looking for another provider. We are seniors on a limited income searching for a good deal.
Would appreciate your help.
Thank you,
Jaye Derek
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unless you live in HUD-assisted housing, there’s only one program for which you may qualify. That’s the PCs for People program. You can read more about it (and all the other low-income plans) here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
N says
Should I contact Charter now? Or should I wait until November 18th? My daughter and I live in Apple Valley, MN and have very limited iternet service providers. We do not want or need Cable Television. We Do Need Internet that I can afford, so she can get her homework assignments done. It is so expensive, and going off of my mobile carrie is worthless. They say “Unlimited Data” This is not true. They make it so very slow, my daughter cannot even make it through one of her Math teachers daily Math Videos. This is not a ‘Poor Me” situation. I have been doing my homework, trying to make this all within my budget, and I simply am struggling. Unfortunately she is as well, not due to lack of hard work fom her, or myself. There was no meniton of this program from Charter, and I am blessed to be finally read this, as I was just about to bite the bullet, and sign up with service tomorrow, knowing that I cannot afford the cheapest plan, for JUST INTERNET, at $50 plus a month. So, Thank You for All Of The Hard Work You All Are Doing, Keeping On These Companies, To Help My Daughter Be Successful. It is unfortunate the way I have been treated, being I am a single Mother now, so my availability for work hours have changed. I cannot step up in to a Management position, which I have had to turn down a few times, and the Free And Reduced Meal Program, is Label they are putting on my daughter, is not yet having her feeling ashamed. Sadly, I wish I could say the same for myself. She LOVES learning! She LOVES challenges! Getting her homework finished, due to this over priced Internet Garbage should NOT be setting her up to fail. All of this “Online” Computer Screen In their face all dayisn’t teaching them humanity.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s comments like yours that make all the work we do on this site worthwhile, N. Contact them now and see what they say. Even if you can’t get the program yet, you’ll get some worthwhiel information. It may be that the customer service reps are not yet familiar with the new program, but ask for a supervisor if your rep is not knowledgable. And best of luck to you and your daughter.
pat coveney says
Would I qualify being 61 yrs old and on 100% disability? I live in Plaistow nh 03825
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Disability is not enough, unfortunately, to qualify. Here’s our page that covers all the low-income internet plans available. Check them all out to see which ones you qualify for and which ones are available in your area. Good luck, Pat.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
LINDA YOUNG says
Hi.I have TWC and cannot afford I anymore…I live in disabled/ hud building and would like to know when this new plan for low income internet will be available. Please let me know.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s your problem, Linda. TWC will not allow you to enroll in the new low-income plan if you’ve been a Time-Warner (now re-named Spectrum) customer within the last 60 days. Yeah, we agree that it’s a problem for a lot of people, probably including you. It means that you’ll need to cancel your Time Warner service for 60 days before you can enroll in the new plan. Sorry to be the bearers of bad news.
Ashot says
Shame on you FCC. I”m a disabled 56 yers old with misarable income of $662 a month and won”t be qualified for this program !!!. Another reason to hate charter”s fat wallet executives. It’s tme for changes… may be revolution or something ???
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out the PCs for People program, Ashot. If Sprint’s national cell network covers the area in which you live, it may be a very good option for you. Here’s where you can find more info:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Margaret Van Ooijen Fulmore says
My family has Charter Spectrum. We are a low income from SS a. And i pay $180 every month for fast internet and TV, Why is my bill so Frickin’ high? This a family of 4.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Are you paying $180 per month for Internet and cable TV? Is home telephone included? We only ask because our home bill for all three bundled services is about $180. A monthly payment of $180 is exceptionally high. If you don’t qualify for the lower-cost program, you should definitely call customer service and ask how to reduce your bill.
Steve says
Cheap Internet:
“”Charter, please ask your advertising and marketing people to come up with a catchy name for the program. We’re going to tear our hair out if we are forced to say “Charter’s low-cost, high-speed Internet plan every time we refer to it. “”
Charter’s new name COULD BE = Charter’s ChartLow Internet? Like it…
“”offered everywhere Charter offers cable service within three years.””
If this is a time limited deal by stipulations as the other FCC deals were – some communities are getting S_ _ _ _ED = SHAFTED.
“”family can download films, too, without fear of running out of allowable gigabytes”” I’m sure Cheap Internet meant if PAR with being able to do so -and- nothing to do with copyright infringements.
“”Charter program is aimed at families with students who participate in the National School Lunch Program and seniors 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income.””
The FCC let LOW-INCOME Americans down yet again / shouldn’t the standard $ set for 65 and SSI income, also be a threshold to Low-Income Americans of any age who also who live at that % of an annual income bracket?
EX: SSI $733.- for single person = $8,796.- annually.
The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2016 are $733 for an eligible individual and $1,100 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html
Families with children should never be a bargaining consideration to FCC deals – if the FCC would treat us all as American’s with low-incomes in that % of an annual period, and stop the divisions of “oh group A is ok and group B won’t be allow… If your a low-income family you really shouldn’t be considering having kids but,,, wait I’ll get this and that and wait this too if I dodo have kids. Really this is bad for the Government to be sending this kind of a message…
The total number of members in a home and the gross annual income with NO age discrimination should trump all FCC negotiations in considerations of these deals. No pun to Nov. is meant! But it’s America where discrimination is not allow to flourish.
Bottom Line:
PCs FOR PEOPLE program is still the best all around Low-Income Internet Program for American’s, besides it being Mobile Internet to boot for the HOME, that can easily move with you to a new home’s location – if one lives within the Sprint’s Cellular Network coverage areas…
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/pcs-for-people
Steve
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Excellent points, as always, Steve. We wish the FCC had as much common sense as you do.
Sandie says
What about the rest of us seniors who are on regular Social Security, not SSI??? We have to be disabled, not just seniors with low income? That’s not what the new Federal ruling says, is it? Are you sure it’s only SSI seniors?
I live in Michigan, which all three providers currently have service in, so that would sound hopeful, but Comcast has our town locked down, and we have never even had AT&T (Bell) DSL.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There is no currently plan aimed solely at seniors, Sandie. There are a couple pilot programs being conducted around the country, too, but they have not yet been rolled out for all seniors.
Check out all these programs carefully and look into what the qualification requirements are, because you may find that you qualify one way or another for one or more of them:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Simon S says
Does the $14.99/month include the Modem? Or, will you have to either purchase your own modem elsewhere ($70+), or pay $??? month extra for renting the modem from Charter?
(Currently, Time Warner (now Charter) today still offers their “internet light” package for $14.99/month, BUT they also charge an additional $12/month to rent a modem, if you already don’t own a compatible modem. This is no longer offered on their website since the acquisition, but is offered if you call up and request it.)
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
No, the new program comes with a modem at no extra cost. Yea!
mario R ortiz says
I need my cheap internet gracias
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out our other website, Mario. It’s called CheapInternet.com and it specializes in low-income Internet plans. Here’s where you can find all the programs listed. Check them all out because they each vary in terms of how to qualify and where they’re available:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Bingb says
HMM..What about the disabled who got S.S.I..> but are under 65..?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of other plans available, Bing. Check them all out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Bobbie says
Will Chapter be in Centerville, Ut?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We assume you mean “Charter,” not “Chapter” so we’ll answer as if that’s what you mean. Well, it’s actually not much of an answer because all we can say is that we cannot track the various programs down to the local level. But you can always contact Charter customer service to find out.
Jan Saporito says
I’m senior living on ss and I’ve been following this for a while. I am so excited how close we are. My concern is I live in Bishop California a small town close to the Mamouth mountains praying hard it will be available here…
Thanks for all your hard work
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It is exciting to know that this program is sooooooo close. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you and Bishop, Jan.
Roberto Martinez says
It sounds very good I will be leaving Frontier .which is expensive and their service not good !
Nancy Cosby says
This really sounds almost too good to be true!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s true, Nancy. Hope it works out well for you. Please let us know by coming back and leaving another comment.
Sheila Coughtry says
Looks like good news , maybe for me as i live in texas. Want to know if i will be one of the lucky ones, i now have broadband from Frontier and it is expensive. How do i find out f i am elegible?
Sheila Coughtry
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
First, you need to live in an area served by one of the three companies. Are you?
Next, you need to meet the qualification requirements. They are listed in the article.