Comcast’s Internet Essentials delivers discounted cable internet to families with children who need to get online at home in order to do their schoolwork. A family qualifies by having at least one child who qualifies for participation in the National School Lunch Program.
Some activists pan the program, saying the connection is too slow. Others praise the program because millions of families cannot otherwise afford internet access for their kids. We are firmly in the latter camp. While we agree the speeds are on the lower end of the scale, they are still quite fast for only $9.95 a month. And they are without a doubt fast enough for any schoolwork, and even for a movie after Johnny finishes his homework.
Download speed is 5Mbps, with upload speed clocking in at 1.5 Mbps. When Comcast began the program in 2011, the download speed was just 1Mbps. In the fall of 2012, they increased it to 3Mbps download. In September of 2013 Comcast raised it to the current 5Mbps.
The Federal Communications Commission used to consider 5Mbps as a “broadband” speed until 2015. Since then, the FCC has upped the minimum requirements for the broadband designation from the 4Mbps/1Mbps threshold to 25Mbps/3Mbps.
There are a number of broadband activists that jump on us for saying that Internet Essentials is fast. Of course its speed is not competitive with other more expensive plans available, but we’ve always said that Internet Essentials is fast “for the price.” You can get several times the 5Mbps speed with a standard account at Comcast. But, you are also going to have to pay many times the $9.95 price of Internet Essentials. At ten bucks a month, unlimited 5Mbps cable internet access is a steal.
Just what can you do with a 5Mbps connection? Remembering that Internet Essentials exists to help children in families without internet get online so they can keep up with other students, there is no question that the speed is sufficient for any student (and their parents and siblings).
In fact, even the FCC’s own Broadband Speed Guide, shown here, indicates that a child with Internet Essentials will face no limitations.
Might there be some buffering if someone is trying to watch a High Definition movie on a Saturday night when the internet networks are overwhelmed? Sure, that could happen. But watching HD movies on Netflix is not a part of Internet Essentials’ mission.
What about the upload speed? Isn’t 1.5Mpbs low? No, it’s not too slow because with the way most people use the internet, it’s only the download speed that really matters. Watching movies, surfing web pages, listening to music…that’s all being “downloaded” to your computer or device. Upload speed becomes important is when a person shares or uploads a large file, such as a big image or video. Or, if there is a teleconference in high-definition. And, there could possibly be some congestions in a multi-player over-the-internet game.
But let’s remember the objective of Internet Essentials. It’s to help those kids on the wrong side of the Digital Divide to do their schoolwork at home after school, rather than sending them to computer lab or the public library. That’s if these other options are even available.
We say thank you to Comcast for not only introducing this program, but for increasing the speed now twice already.
For more information on Internet Essentials, go here.
April D Byrdsong says
I’m an internet essential customer for 9.99 a month. I wanted to know why the bill says 117.18 all of a sudden. the account number is 85291019827******. All the bills of a payment was paid on time. The last month bill of 9.95 was paid on time. A correction on the bill needs to be made. Can you send a new bill out for this month with the correction on the bill? Can you contact me back at 313-702-**** and we can discuss an error was on the bill.
Thank You,
April Byrdsong
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, April, but we are not Internet Essentials. You need to contact that company’s customer service team to get your questions answered.
Paula ndoho says
Me gustaría tener internet con vosotro
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Lo sentimos, Paula, pero no somos su proveedor de servicios. Este es un sitio web informativo independiente que NO está afiliado a ninguna compañía de telefonía celular gubernamental gratuita de Lifeline ni a ningún proveedor de servicios de Internet del Programa de Conectividad Asequible (ACP).
(If this translation sucks, blame Google Translate. We do not speak Spanish. Or “Nosotros no hablamos español” according to Google.
Faye says
Internet Essentials is also available for low-income seniors in some areas. I’m on it now and have been for 2 years. I live in Western Washington.
Jen says
As someone who has children and is struggling financially, I couldn’t be more grateful. I’m going to apply for this. And I’m going to be thankful. If a movie buffers, so be it.Because trying to save money, we stream everything. Will we still be able to run Netflix? We do have video games as well.( these are not essential things and not meant as a complaint, it’s just a question). I don’t really understand how internet works! If you have the ability to answer my question I would be grateful to you!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It could take a book to answer “How does the internet work,” Jen. Impossible to answer in a reply to your question.
Eve says
Would like to see if I could get this wf ?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re not Comcast, Eve. You need to contact that company directly.
Lisa says
Will I get charged extra if my kids go over 1.2TB 1229GB.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s virtually impossible to use that much data in a month, Lisa. Here’s how AllConnect.com explains just how much it is:
______________________________
How long does it take to use 1 TB of data?
AT&T’s internet data calculator shows you just how much it would take to use 1 TB of data. According to the calculator, you could do the following activities* and still use less than 1 TB of data in a month:
Send and receive 40,000 emails
Stream 8,500 hours of music
Surf the internet for 2,000 hours
Game for 16,500 hours
Stream high-def videos for 350 hours
Post to social media for 5,600 hours
*Estimated on a standard user.
You would have to stream around 171 hours of 4K video for a month to reach 1 TB of data. That’s equivalent to you streaming 6 hours of 4K video every day for a month.
Christina says
They are increasing the speed but not giving you more data so that makes easy to go overboard and pay alot more.
Really says
1Tb a month isn’t enough for you? Even watching online TV, movies, zoom meetings, and creating webpages, I only use up about 450Gb of bandwidth a month…
Lisa Ogburn says
I haven’t received my package for internet and it’s been 4 months since I was approved. Lisa Ogburn 318 205 ****
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, Lisa, but we’re not your service provider. We’re not anyone’s service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to speak directly to the company you enrolled with.
Corvette Haley says
I would like to get 9.99 internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You need to contact the company directly, Corvette. We are not Comcast.
Tina Doster says
How many gbs. Comes with the Comcast essential do we have the movies on demand with it
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Let’s see how actual Comcast users answer your question, Tina. Readers?
Mark Lawrence says
Comcast recently updated their data allotments for Internet Essentials customers.
1.2TB of data at 25Mbps download speed / 3 Mbps upload speed.
THERESA says
Internet for9.99 a month
Sincerely Disappointed says
Beware of Internet Essentials!
Internet Essentials constantly drops any internet connection. My students lose internet several times a day, working on Chromebooks or tablets. We have had multiple Comcast/Xfinity technicians come out to “fix” the issue and new equipment has been installed several times.
The internet connection from Internet Essentials is still not stable or consistent. It doesn’t support current online streaming classrooms either, dropping connections in the middle of class. Even waiting to do homework during off hours is pointless as the internet connection through Internet Essentials fails at all times of day and night, leaving my students frustrated and unable to keep up.
Inequalities which are hurting educational opportunities for my kids as opposed to their wealthy counterparts were supposed to be addressed by Internet Essentials. This option is failing. Internet Essentials is helpful in theory, but it is failing many families in our areas. The staff in local school districts have acknowledged the negative impact on low income neighborhoods who don’t get coverage from Internet Essentials.
Hoping for better answers or educational which doesn’t demand technology. Access to public education shouldn’t cost so much that some students can’t participate.
Really says
Weird I have a neighbor who is always bragging at her up time. I have regular Comcast but it has been costing me $53/mo for the exact same pkg, which is the 25Mbps/3Mbps but no problems with it. Now that I found out I qualify, I have cancelled and having to wait 90 days (Feb 2021) to join IE.
frank a disalvio says
I am to have internet essentials for $9095+tax YOU BILLED ME FOR A $37.95 SERVICE
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We didn’t bill you for anything, Frank. We are not Comcast. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact Comcast customer service.
Cheryl says
Hi I just moved to *** **********.im on SSI and snap.but there is already internet service here and working how can I get the service here and with essentials.my number is (559)205-****. name is Cheryl.thank you for a quick reply.
My email is *******@gmail.com
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
This is an independent informational website, Cheryl. We’re not a service provider. But here’s where you can find a list of all the low-income service providers and their plans. Check them all out carefully to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll in that plan using the contact info we provide:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Jennifer Rosander says
I need a computer/ labtop for my daughter who is a junior at HS. We just cant afford one and she is struggling doing the things she needs not having her own and borrowing mine when I need it for working .Any ideas? Suggestions?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out EveryoneOn.org to find all the programs available in your zip code.
Jill Everland says
I have tried multiple times to apply for the Comcast Internet Essentials and it simply will not accept my physical address. I am disabled, receive Quest and am on a very fixed, low income. If someone could get back to me, I need to get the $9.xx dollar per month internet ASAP.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re not Comcast, but it sounds as if you are applying online. Have you tried speaking to customer service?
sandy smith says
Would I be able to use an internet booster to increase my speed? I even had internet golly for 10 years so I’m confused about the speed and I’m on disability so my brain is very foggy. But right now I do have a lot of buffering because I’m able to share Comcast with the neighbor. But I have found Internet Essentials and I do qualify xcetera. Help me understand please. I’ve read everything that I can get my hands on
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
An internet booster may help your speed just because it will deliver a stronger signal. But there’s no way for us to know if it would work efficiently in your specific case.
Karen Scott says
AT&T starts at 10 Mps. I’ve had it since the fall of 2018 and the price has stayed the same. I am also disabled.
RoxAnn Stumbo says
I live in a large metropolitan area and even here I am dealing with a lot of buffering AFTER moving into a house from an apartment.
We’ve tried everything we can find to get a consistent speed, no luck. My Dad is an old school Air Force Vet and kind of tech hacker, last thing we tried HE said:
“There’s too much interference basically you live in cave. Put a booster at or near the best wifi reception spot in the house…the END”
I switched service company instead😳same problem!!
#GETaBOOSTER
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Proof that “father knows best.”
Abiola says
Hy…is there a way I can use an internet booster /pods to increase the internet speed???
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We have an internet signal booster in our house and it does a great job, but there’s no way for us to know if it will help in your specific case. Sorry.
sandy smith says
A viola have you gotten an answer about that
Cora says
A booster increases distance of signal, not speed
Karen says
I’m trying to find out if you received my fax on Monday 8/10/2019 for approval on Internet Essential. This’ll be the third time I have sent it.
Please let me know if you have it and how long before I can get it turned on.
Thank you
Karen (503)830-****
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
This is an independent informational website, Karen. We are not affiliated with Comcast, so we cannot answer your question. You need to contact the company directly.
Tiyahna Montgomery says
I’m trying this Comcast high-speed internet for 9.95 a month for my children so please get in contact with me as soon as possible thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re not Comcast, Tiyahna. You need to contact that company directly.
Anja says
I’m currently living or rather renting a room , for 350 dollars monthly yet I’ve no access to the internet essentials and as only one per household leaves me in the dust any other options for myself ???
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It doesn’t sound as if you qualify for Internet Essentials, Anna. The rules say you must have at least one child in the household that qualifies for the school lunch program. But there are other low-income internet plans that do not have that eligibility requirement, so you should check them out to see if you qualify and if they are available in your area. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Linda Glover says
Yes l just spoke with an agent at internet Essential to inquire about getting home internet. 1 855 846 **** the person said no and then hung up the phone. Is this service truly available? Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes, the service is definitely available and is already helping several million low-income Americans. Perhaps the disconnection was accidental. Try giving them a call back. But first, read the article at this link to find out if you area, in fact, eligible:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/internet-essentials
Keishla Ramos says
Im interesed in the internet for my kids
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out ALL the low-income plans and find the one that fits your needs best at the link below, Keisha.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Terrance says
Is this wifi service in home?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes.
Terrance says
Is it fast enough to use with the “ring” camera doorbell?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We have no idea what the tech requirements are for a “ring” camera doorbell. In fact, we don’t know what a “ring” camera doorbell is. Sorry.
guest says
Is there a gb limit
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The data is “unlimited” but after you reach a certain level (in the past it was one gig, but we haven’t looked it up lately), the internet will be “throttled” which means it will be slowed down significantly. But what the hell, Guest, this is meant to be a basic plan, and that’s plenty for most folks who aren’t sitting around gaming all day.
Han says
I’m here Rockville, MD, yesterday I have activated Internet Essentials with self installation kit. I was test speed many times. Average speed is 18Mbps, upload speed is 2.4Mbps. Amazing fast enough.So I have one question, anyone knows how many data allowed per month? If there is data limited, how much cost after allowed limit? Thanks and sorry for bad English.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unless it has changed very recently, you have unlimited internet. However, only the first 1-3 gigs will be available at that speed. After that if will be throttled down and your speeds will be greatly reduced. You should contact the Internet Essentials customer service team to confirm that.
Han says
Sad, thank you very much for your prompt answer.
Teresita Corona says
So is unlimited internet?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
“Unlimited” has an interesting definition in the internet access TV business, Teresita. It’s unlimited, but after you reach some level (that level may differ among companies) most of these plans reserve the right to throttle down the speed on all remaining usage for the month. Make sense?
Jamie says
If it’s unlimited why do they keep charging me more money for going over one month they charged me almost a 90 dollars !
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Are you sure you are enrolled in the Internet Essentials plan, Jamie? Have you spoken to customer service to ask that question. If not, that should be the next thing you do.
Sarah says
Hi. I don’t see a date on this article, but comments are recent (2017). Internet essentials website says speeds are 10mpbs right now, not 5mpbs, was it 5 mpbs at the time you wrote the above or does it test at 5? Thank you so much!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Some areas are five and other areas are ten, Sarah. Comcast customer service should be able to tell you what speed is available in your neighborhood.
Judy says
I have a daughter in college we need internet so bad . i dont have much income but would like to have fast internet for her. Thank you. Judy
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are lots of possibilities depending on your income and where you live. Check out all the low-income internet plans at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They are great options if nothing else is available. No, we worded that incorrectly. They are great options no matter what.
Velma Kline says
I live in Ocean View DE. , is there service in that area? Can I still use Waze on my phone? I am 73 years old. Velma Kline
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We can’t track availability down to the local level, Velma, but take a look at all the low-income internet plans at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com
Remember that these are internet plans, so they should have absolutely no impact on your ability to use the Wade app on your phone. If you are looking for more information on the Lifeline free government cell phone program, check out our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
T says
This is a complete lie. The connection is so slow it takes minutes to download a 30 second video.
Speeds tested are often below 1MPS And seldom above 2MPS
dcthemvp says
Just so everyone knows, it’s now 10 Mbps. Also, you can seamlessly stream multiple HD movies, play online games, as well as browse on several devices all simultaneously. Coming from a blast pro subscriber I notice absolutely no difference in service except that I save nearly 100$ a month.
Karen L Rossner says
What about people who are low
income and don’t have children?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Seems like a huge gap in the program, doesn’t it? There are a couple programs for low income people with no children…IF (and that’s a big if) they’re available in your area. Check out PCs for People and 4GCommunity at think link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
sherrod says
that speed can’t even watch video
sherrod says
5 megs cant even watch streaming video besides youtube.
Linda Ramsey says
I have Internet essential, how can i upgrade it to the next level
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
What do you mean when you say “upgrade to the next level?” More data per month? Higher speed? Something completely different?
John says
I am a 52 year old disabled veteran living on a fix disability income of $1072 a month – is there any low cost high speed “broadband” internet available through Comcast?
What is the lowest cost broadband service available to someone in my situation – I was attending Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and intend to return to my studies next semester.
Thank you
John
Christina says
Can you send me an application I qualify?
ken klein says
what are the specs on the internet essentials Dell desktop 755 that was sent out for this program?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/optiplex-755/pd
Maureen Hackett says
I am a low income senior who is being divorced and said husband is turning off internet on May 1st. I need service without a bundle package and in my price range, which is low.