Colorado is the 29th most connected state and has 150 broadband providers. Nevertheless, there are 31,000 people in the state with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 5.3 million Coloradans, 302,000 have access to only one wired provider. Of course, that means ISP (internet service provider) can old them hostage, raise rates, or alter the terms and conditions of their contract. Because those people have no competitive options). Of that number, 126,000 are forced to deal with low data caps on their home internet connection because their only choices are fixed wireless or mobile broadband suppliers.
There is a lot of room for improvement in the state’s poverty picture. The overall poverty rate is 13%. Its child poverty rate is 18%. Its senior poverty rate is 12%. And its extreme poverty rate is 5.6%. Those numbers are relatively good in comparison to other states, but still unacceptably high for those needy Colorado residents who are part of the statistics.
But fear not, because CheapInternet.com knows a number of ways you can get high-speed broadband internet access at prices far cheaper than you ever imagined possible.
Low-income Internet Options
Here is the internet’s most complete list of companies and organizations that offer low-income Americans low-cost, high-speed internet access. And when we say low-cost, we’re talking about plans whose prices range from free to $14.95 per month for broadband internet. Different companies offer different prices, different types of Internet (i.e., cable, DSL or mobile), and different ways to qualify, so check them all out to see which low-income program is right for you. Click on any of the programs below to see full details on what they offer.
- ConnectAll
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- Access from AT&T
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Cox Low-Income Internet
- EveryoneOn
- BrightHouse Networks
- Mediacom
- Eagle Communications
- PC’s for People
- Coming soon: Lifeline Broadband
Other Low-cost Internet Options
What if you want to sign up for a cheap internet plan, but don’t qualify under the rules of the plans shown above? Or what if none of those plans are offered in your area? Luck may still be on your side, because there are other low-cost plans available for you if you know where to look. And at CheapInternet.com, we know where to look. Here’s a brief review of other low-cost options that may be available in your area.
- 4G Community
- Karma
- FreedomPop Mobile Internet
- FreedomPop Home Internet
- NetZero DSL
- NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband
Lifeline Broadband Pilot Programs
The Lifeline Assistance program, which offers free government cell phones to low-income Americans, has helped millions of needy Americans. The program has been so successful that the Federal Communications Commission decided to investigate the possibility of creating a similar program called Lifeline Internet or Lifeline Broadband.
Fourteen cable companies and service organizations were selected by the FCC to test pilot programs in various regions around the country. The pilot programs looked into the impact of various pricing plans, discounts, and equipment.
We expect the FCC to announce the results of the pilot programs and perhaps even announce the introduction of an official Lifeline Broadband (or Lifeline Internet) program before the end of 2014. Although you can no longer sign up nor participate in these programs, you may be interested in seeing what the future of free internet may look like in your state.
Unfortunately, none of the Lifeline Broadband Pilot Programs are being conducted in Colorado.
Municipal Broadband Networks
Wikipedia defines a Municipal Broadband Network (often called Community Broadband Network) like this: “Municipal broadband deployments are broadband Internet access services provided either fully or partially by local governments.[1] Common connection technologies include unlicensed wireless (Wi-Fi, wireless mesh networks), licensed wireless (such as WiMAX), and fiber-optic. Although many cities previously deployed Wi-Fi based solutions, municipal fiber-to-the-home networks are becoming more prominent because of increased demand for modern audio and video applications.”
Twenty states have laws of one sort or another that hinder municipalities efforts to form their own broadband networks to serve their residents. Colorado, unfortunately, is one of those states. According to ArsTechnica.com, Colorado “Municipalities must hold a referendum before providing cable, telecommunications, or broadband service, unless the community is unserved.” The obvious problem with that regulation is that established internet service providers can — and do — outspend local residents in any referendums that result from the law.
Our research shows only one Colorado city that offers its residents a high-speed fiber optic network:
Provider: Longmont Power & Communications
Website: LongmontColorado.gov
Phone: 303-776-0011
Services Offered: Data, Voice
Area Served: Longmont
Longmont is currently building a fiber optic network that will eventually cover the entire city and offer high speed internet to every business and residence in the city.
Longmont also offers free WiFi service at Clark Centennial Park, Garden Acres Park, Kanemoto Park, Roosevelt Park, and Sandstone Ranch as well as the Longmont Library, Vance Brand Municipal Airport, and on Main Street from First to Fourth avenues during downtown events.
Longmont offers free WiFi to qualified low-income customers through the “Digital Divide” program in cooperation with the St. Vrain Valley School District
Todd says
Looking for low income internet in eastern El Paso County, Colorado.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We can’t track them down to the local area, Todd. You’ll need to check with each of the plans listed on this page to ask if they serve your area.
Diane says
Hello. Are there any low cost or free internet sevice for seniors. Who are on fixed income and food stamps in longmont colo. Thank you.
Diane paquette
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
If you happen to live in an area serviced by AT&T, there’s a brand new program for seniors. Check it out at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/internet-essentials-expands-low-income-disabled-medicaid-seniors
Florinda Maxwell says
Hi, I live in Woodland Park CO, and has been wanting internet service for a long time. PLEASE contact me on which service I maybe to afford on a fixed income of $652.63. God Bless You and Thank You
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re on the right page, Florinda. You can find all the service providers in the article above.
Noreen says
This all sounds good to we low income seniors but the truth is that Cocas/Xfinity is holding us hostage. I really wanted only internet and a landline phone because of visual and hearing problems. I had atenna for TV. Comcast offered a bundle for $99 plus tax which costs $133.39 monthly and will increase by at least $10 in October (next month) for a fee on the cable box.
Internet Essentials tells us we must not have service for 90 days prior to qualifying. This is punitive action to a group of people who are homebound and I think you should be aware of it. This all sounds good but is puffery as far as I am concerned.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We agree that this is a bad glitch in all the programs, Noreen. It makes no sense to tell current customers who cannot afford the service that they cannot switch to the low-income option.
Larry D. Mudgett says
My mom’s internet service was discontinued as of the 7th of this month. Mom’s Internet Provider Service was (MSN). I am currently going to school for Information Technology. I need to get Internet service as soon as possible so I can study for my VCP5-DT Certification.