How to get cheap internet service in your state (subsidized service for low-income families and other plans, too).
There are many ways to get cheap internet service that most people don’t know about. Some of them are subsidized plans available only to low-income families, but others are available to anyone, no matter how little nor how much you make.
To check on your own state’s providers and specific qualification criteria, just click on your state below. You’ll find a wide variety of cheap broadband providers that may be available to you — income-based plans offered by cable and telephone companies, low-cost programs based on new technologies that are available to folks who don’t qualify for the income-based plans, special Lifeline Broadband pilot programs approved by the Federal Communications Commission, and municipal wireless networks available in your state.
Some states offer few options, but others offer each of the options mentioned above. But many low-cost broadband plans are expanding rapidly. With a little luck, you’ll have several good options to choose from. But don’t despair if nothing is available for you right now. Just keep checking back here at CheapInternet.com for the latest updates.
Click on your state to find out what cheap internet plans are available in your area:
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | District of Columbia | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Puerto Rico | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Cheap internet plans are available in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Comcast’s Internet Essentials program got the cheap internet frenzy rolling back in 2011 when it created the first program aimed at financially-struggling Americans. Exciting technology developments soon brought new companies like FreedomPop and Karma into the cheap internet business. Older technology companies like NetZero continue to offer their own twist cheap internet service. And with the Federal Communications Commission’s prodding, 14 Lifeline Broadband pilot programs are being conducted across the country. Lifeline Broadband is, of course, the direct descendent of Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program (more info).
Chances are very high that one of these cheap broadband programs is a perfect fit for you.
What are the Lifeline eligibility rules for each state?
The eligibility requirements vary from state to state, from program to program, and from company to company. (For a complete list of providers, go to our Low-Income Internet Providers page.
For example, to qualify for Comcast’s Internet Essentials and get a low-cost computer and high-speed internet access for just $9.95 per month, a family must have at least one child eligible to receive a reduced or free school lunch through the National School Lunch Program (recently broadened to include students in private schools, parochial schools and homeschooled students). Schools designated at “Provision 2” automatically qualify all students. More specifics can be found on your state page.
You probably qualify for the Internet Basics program if you also participate in other governmental assistance programs such as food stamps (SNAP), public housing assistance, Medicaid, Section 8 housing, Supplemental Security Income, various Home Energy Assistance Programs, National School Lunch and other programs. Alternately, you may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (or 150% in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas.) More specifics can be found on your state page.
If you don’t qualify for either of the income-based programs listed above, you’ll undoubtedly qualify for one of the technologically-advanced plans from NetZero, Karma, FreedomPop or others (See Other Low-Cost Internet Plans page). Their concepts are exciting, their service is super, and there are ways to get it at remarkably low prices. So what’s the drawback? You’ll probably need to pass a credit check. Other than that, we think you’ll be very happy.
And new plans and coverage come out all the time. So be sure to keep up with the new on our News and Blog page.
What are you waiting for? Click on your state now, find out which cheap internet plans are available in your area, and start enjoying cheap internet service today.
CYNTHIA says
Hello my name is Cynthia Dorsey and I’m on a fixed income can’t afford cable or internet service I need help please right away would love to have internet services
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We developed this website especially for people like you, Cynthia. Just click around and you’ll soon figure out everything you need to now. Give it a try.
carlos walls says
I’m going to drop my ISP due to no longer able to afford itThere doesn’t seem to be a company in my rural area that provides low income access.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes, it can be tough finding any internet service, much less low-income internet, in rural areas. Check out EveryoneOn.org and plug in your zip code to see if anyone serves your area.
Yolanda Wilson says
I want to sign up for cheap or free internet where would I go to start my application.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We provide contact info for each service provider. Just click on any of the company names on this page.
Patricia j berry says
I can’t seem to find cheap or free internet in Colorado.!!!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Are you saying that you’ve checked with all the companies listed on this page?
Christine Campero says
I would like to apply to the low income ibtrernet / Access program or home computer
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the plans available in your state (right here on this page) to find out which one fits your need best. Then enroll with that plan using the contact info we provide in each provider’s page.
Esther Spikes says
September 12, 2018
False Advertisement
Hi my name is Esther, I’m low income and really can’t afford a phone, therefore I’ve been using the Obama phone for a while now. on September 8, 2018, I needed to contact my landlord to let him know that I had my rent for the month; this is when I realized my phone was off. I contacted the company Safe Link/Sprint; they told me that I needed to provide the ID #, my password and my zip code in order to have my phone turned back on which would be Monday. I never knew the ID #, I gave my password and my zip code. The guy said I didn’t qualify for Universal Life Line and that if I wanted my phone back on I would have to pay a minimum of $35, I told him that I’m low income. He gave me a 1(877) 858-7463 phone number to call but I couldn’t call out. He said they would not be available until Monday. So I had to go out and get another phone. I had been with Safe Link over 60 days before they said I didn’t qualify for the service. I got my service with Assurance Wireless – Saturday September 8, 2018. If I didn’t qualify I don’t believe I could’ve gone to Assurance Wireless. Monday morning, I contact Assurance Wireless because I wanted my old number (213) 949-7464; Assurance Wireless contact Safe Link/Sprint, they told Assurance Wireless that I gave the wrong zip code which was not true because I had to bring a Gas bill to show proof of where I lived in order to get the phone from Safe Link/Sprint. Assurance Wireless asked me for the information which I got from Net10 whose also connected with Safe Link/Sprint and the phone says TracFone; I’m confused but that’s not the issue; the issue is when I gave the information to Assurance Wireless to get my old phone number back; Safe Link/Sprint told Assurance Wireless that I gave the wrong zip code information. I then gave my old zip code and that didn’t work either. Assurance Wireless contact Safe Link/Sprint and asked them what zip code did I provide; they in turn said 90044. Safe Link/Sprint wanted me to pay for a service I truly don’t have the money to pay out of pocket. My number is restricted therefore I have to give out my new number. This is the second time I’ve tried Safe Link and I didn’t notice it the first time but this time I know that they took my phone number in order to get me to pay money I don’t have. This is what I call false advertisement to low income people. Please respond
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Not sure what to tell you, Esther, except that it sounds like you’ve been given bad advice and bad service. If you really feel that you’ve been mistreated (and it certainly sounds as if you have been), contact customer service and ask for a supervisor to explain the situation. Ask for your bill to be suspended. If they won’t cooperate, don’t pay it. We’re not attorneys, but it sounds as if your bill is far too small for them to bother with collection efforts.
Connie says
So, I live in an area where Comcast is a monopoly, As a matter of fact I heard they pay to keep other providers out of this service area. So when I moved here my only option was Comcast. I learned after the fact I qualify for their low income Access program but they will not give it to me because I am already a customer. I have to not have their service for 90 days for them to accept me in program. This is difficult as I will have to be with no service at all because there is no other service to provide me for 90 days or anything less expensive than the service I already cannot afford.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income plans currently available at this link, Connie:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to PCs for People, which offers internet via cell instead of cable. If it’s available in your area, it’s a great option for you.
Tony J. Neal says
I have been in the lifewiireless program for a few years now and have asked for internet service constantly throughout the years everytime i get told that i should be getting it then i have to call and wait for a ridiculous wait time to speak to someone and they tell me i will get a text and to fallow the prompts and punch in a code, well i do and everytime its the same thecode wont work and contact my provider , all these years someone has been payed for providing me internet, that i never got to me thats a crime besides lieing to me and ripping me off for a benefit that i as a senior on disability rightfully deserve. Can you help me to get me internete service now. ? But now i just need it in my home with phone service. My cell isnt needed too much anymore because we are home more now as we get older and health is placing us homebound more and more. Is it possible to get some help please. Thank you very much. And god bless you and yours. Please dont take it the wrong way i am very thankfull for your help with the cell phone help but i am very angry since i read that along with unlimited min internete was a must for lifewireless to supply me. And just kept getting the runaround and lied to.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Tony, Lifeline landlines do not include free internet. And the free government cell phone program does not offer “unlimited” internet.
Marguerite Brown says
I need low income cable tv internet service
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
None of the low-income internet plans offer television service, Marguerite.
Keniesha Hunter says
I’m on SSI and have full custody of my granddaughter can’t find government plans for internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re on the right page, Keniesha. Why can’t you find a low-income internet plan? Do you mean you can’t find one you’re qualified for? Or that you can’t find a plan that covers the area in which you live? Or something else?
Cindy Garcia says
So upset, I keep looking for internet service for low incomes and every time they do not service my area. I need it soon, my son has science projects to do and he can’t do them with no internet.
Alice Cochran says
I’m on disability and need internet but i can’t afford a high bill
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the plans listed on this page to find out which one fits your needs best, Alice. Then you can enroll with that company.
Tracy willits says
I’m low income on fixed income and interested in internet serves for low income ppl thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All the plans in your state are listed in the article above, Tracy. Click on each of the service providers to read more about who’s eligible and where each plan is available.
Sandra Conley says
My son is going to high school online and really needs a laptop.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
First thing you should do is check out all the plans shown on this page to find the one that fits you needs best. But in order to get a laptop, also go over to EveryoneOn.org where you can find all the resources availalbe in your zip code. Good luck, Sandra.
Renee Hebrank says
I am on SSI and snap as well as Medicaid and Windstream has been ripping me off since I got it. I cannot afford it anymore so I’m looking for affordable Wi-Fi for my home. I live in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the plans listed on this page, Renee, to find out which plans are available in your area and which plans you’re eligible for.
grandmother of 4 says
i tried entering info to find a plan low income SSI income have a 15 year old granddaughter residing in my home with her unemployed mom we would like a better priced internet service milwaukee wi thanks
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Have you checked all the plans listed on this page, Grandmother?
Naima radouane says
We are five people in a house and our income is $25000 we are looking cheap Internet thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Contact any of the companies listed on this page to see if they offer service in your area.
Liz Miller says
I live in rural Iowa…..I am disabled and live on $850 dollars a month. I would love affordable internet, I have researched this and researched this.,,,,I have my phone that is no charge to me and I would love that or little bit of $ for internet..any help that you can give me would be much appreciated.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re on the right page, Liz. Check out all the plans on this page to find the ones available in your area for which you meet the eligibility requirements. It sounds as if PCs for People and 4GCommunity might be viable options for you, but check them all out:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
PAMELA M. says
I am looking for low income internet service WiFi service for me
I have low income housing
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Not all low-income housing will qualify you, Pamela, but some will. And even better, there are other plans for which virtually everyone is eligible. Check out all the low-income internet plans at this link to see which ones are available in your area and which of those you’re eligible for:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
gladys johnson says
l am on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay what l am paying xfinity.l am also disabled can l get cheaper internet service? lf so ,where?l live in chicago
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Did you check out all the plans described on this page, Gladys?
linda says
im on disability i cant afford isp im in a rural area my zip is Guyton, ga. 31312 is there any help out there to get me service i had years ago verizon cant afford them thank u😊
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Rural areas have real problems with internet access, Linda. Take a look at each of the low-income programs and contact them if necessary to figure out if any of them are available in your area. Sorry, but that’s the best we can offer:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Samantha Pekar says
I am a 69 years young disabled person. I am basically homebound & have medical services provided by “Physicians at Home.”. My pharmacy delivers. My zip code is 73108 in Oklahoma City, OK.
I bought a “Roku” from QVC because I don’t want to get pay TV & pay for a lot of channels I never watch.
So what I need to know is if any of these internet services for seniors will support my Roku so I can watch movies? I HATE commercials.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
Samantha Pekar
********@gmail.com
405-669-**** for text messaging.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We honestly do not know the answer to that question, Samantha. If we had to guess we’d say no for this reason: Although some of these plans have “unlimited” internet, they throttle down the speeds after 1 gigs or 3 gigs, etc. In other words, the “unlimited” plans do not offer unlimited high-speed service. Make sense?
Samantha Pekar says
Yes. My thoughts as well
Thank you for your timely response.
Sincerely
Samantha Pekar
Beckyann says
I am eligible for low income Internet and said that Access is the only provider where I live. they to said I’m not able to get service there…But my neighbor has SuddenLink for their service but I cant get here…please help me…my address is **** ********* Morrilton , AR 72110
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the plans listed on this page, Beckyann. Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity.
Jeanettewatts says
Would like cheap internet I’m disabled my income 790 month
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out the plans described on this page to find the ones for which you are eligible. You didn’t say what state you’re in, but particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They are great options if they’re available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Esther Mathes says
Every company that offered the programs conveniently said it wasn’t available in my area?before I even entered my address. At n t. Cox and century Link in Nevada. But my neighbors all have all 3 are available? So I am fully eligible on all the programs including seniors; section 8 his, snap and social security. How depressing…
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Did you check PCs for People and 4GCommunity, Ester? If not, check to see if they’re available in your area before you get any more depressed.
Jeannette chowning says
Want internet low income
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Apply, Jeannette. That’s the only way you’ll get it.
Kara says
Is there a number I can call to speak to someone that can help me pick a internet provider that I’m eligible for ?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, Kara, but that’s not a service we offer. If we attempted something like that we’d quickly be overwhelmed by the volume of phone calls. But you should be able to determine which plans you’ve available for by comparing all the low-income plans listed in this article:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Nancy Troxell says
Hello my name is Nancy Troxell, I am crrently on disability, I have three teenage kids which all attend school and require interrnert. I have recently signed up online classes and would love to be able to afford Internet, but living on $753 a moth with kids. It’s impossible.. so I would like information on low income families internet. Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the low-income Internet plans, Nancy. Check them all out carefully to find the one that works best for you and your kids. There are different ways to be eligible and they’re each available in different (sometimes overlapping) parts of the country.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Chris reavley says
I need to try to get internet at my house but it is way to expensive for our budget. I’m trying to figure out how to apply for the assistance for it. I have two daughters in school and my oldest is in 6th grade and needs the internet for research on projects.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find a list of all the low-income Internet service plans, Chris. Each one varies a little in terms of how you qualify and geographic availability (in other words, they are all regional so all of them will not be available wherever you live).
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Check them all out to find out which one works best for you and your family.
james selby says
@terrie find a laptop pc on shopgoodwill.com that costs $20 or so to run windows xp-pro & ” ALL VERSIONS of xp-pro have a terminal program called HYPERTERMINAL.EXE .., u can then use hyperterminal to call deaf relay with ..
the only thing hyperterminal wont or cant do is answer a call like a tty or tdd unit can.., BUT from time to time- shopgoodwill.com ALSO lists ultratech tty & tdd units that will answer deaf relay – most even have a pre-programmed auto answer message feature u can use as-is or customize to fit ur taste..
all tty/tdd units have software & stuff built in.., u just need to get one with a good keyboard & ac adaptor if possible but incase u find one w/o an ac adapter – u can get those from hearmore for like $5/each plus shipping ..
good luck ! ..
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Hey, James, we appreciate your comments and we’re sure our readers do, too. But you’ve left the same basic message a number of times now. No matter how helpful your comments may be, we cannot allow you to continue making the same comment over and over again.
terrie says
I need cheap Internet I don’t get much money at all sense I lost my hearing
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The bad news is that there is no cheap Internet program for the hearing-impaired. The good news is that you should check back here frequently because we’re preparing an article about a brand new plan that will make you eligible.
John Mon says
What? Nothing in NY?
john pabon says
I like to know if Puerto Rico qualify for low income internet. I,am on social security and my only income is $555.00 a month, i,am 72 years old and need help for low income internet.
Thank Yuo___JOHN PABON____________________________
D.Harris says
I am a small distribution company that goes state to state and would like to assist on getting more information out to the communities. You can contact me by phone or email. My number is 260-203-8893 or email me at mygod1977@gmail.com.
Mary pruett says
My daughter and mequalify for low income home internet service so it would be nice to receive it.
Claudine Gamble says
I am interested in receiving cheap internet services.
BERTHA says
12-27-15. I AM 73, LOW INCOME AND WOULD LIKE ACCESS TO HOME INTERNET.
BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE I HAVE COMPANY OR SOMEONE TO COMMUNICATE WITH.
I AM USE TO GETTING INFORMATION FROM THE WORLD WIDE NET.
APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN ASSIST ME.
I HAVE DOCUMENTS TO CONFIRM MY INCOME STATUS.
THANK YOU.
MY PHONE : 713-503-**** …TIL THE 7TH OF NEXT MONTH.
Victoria Green says
I’m looking for low income internet in my area Geneva, N.Y. 14456
Adjoa Assuman says
Hello,
My name is Adjoa Assuman I’m current going to PCC. I would like to know information about the program (internet service) in my area . It will help me very much for school
Thanks,Adjoa
Carrie morrisey says
I am looking for a low cost internet service in my area.i live in red springs n,c 28377
Anna Thomas says
I am looking for a Low cost Internet Service in my area. I live in Hemingway SC.
Gustavo Rojas says
can help me get cheap internet in my phone actually get food stamp, and my disability is low. if is the possibility send me the answer en Spanish because my English no is very good. thanks you
debbie says
can help me fine cheap internet. I am on low house and get food stamps
Xuan Phung says
I am living in San diego CA 92127, Provider internet is Time Warner , as Can I transfer my plan in Low in come Internet ? If not give me list of provider near area CA 92127.
Thanks, Have nice day .
jerald rush says
I really like to get this service because I get food stamps And plus I’m a veteran on disability and social security
kim says
Check out http://www.digitalaccessproject.org we freqyently give out hot spots at ni cost for low income seniors and people with disabilities for the Basic Internet plan
margie says
I am trying to find out how i can get the $149.00 computer…i already have internet through comcast so i don’t really need the internet..but my desktop computer in on computs and i could really use a new laptop. I have been on the government phone for well over 6 years. I am disabled i recieve foodstamps and recieve medicaid. Any help would be much appreciated. Either an internet site link or a phone number where i can actually talk to someone . Thanks so much.
Richard Lapre says
I am trying to find a internet foe under $20.00 I am on life line , 65 yerrs old and trying to live on less than $9,000. a year . Can someone help