Georgia’s a great state, but only average when it comes to connectivity. As the 23rd most connected state, it’s right in the middle of the pack.
There are 57,000 people in Georgia with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 10 million Georgians, 1.1 million 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). 203,000 of them are handicapped with low data caps because they only have access to fixed wireless or mobile broadband connections.
Despite rapid growth in the state, poverty remains a lingering problem. The overall poverty rate is 19%. The child poverty is a staggering 27%. The senior poverty rate is a sky high 13%. And the extreme poverty rate remains very high at 8.8%.
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
- Windstream
- Frontier Communications
- BrightHouse Networks
- EveryoneOn
- Mediacom
- 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 Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline Broadband Pilot Programs were conducted in Georgia.
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.”
Here are the municipal providers offering residential service in Georgia:
Provider: Community Network Services
Website: cns-internet.com
Phone: 229-227-7001
Services Offered: Video, voice, data
Area Served: Thomasville and five neighboring communities
With a newly enhanced fiber-optic network, CNS offers the flexibility to pick the Internet service that will best its customers budgets and needs. Customers can choose from dial-up service to state-of-the-art, ultra-high bandwidth connections, or go completely wireless with CNS wireless access.
Provider: Optilink (Dalton Utilities)
Website: optilink.us
Phone: 706-529-1313
Services Offered: Voice, Data, Video
Area Served: Dalton
Optilink provides television, telephone, and internet services for 19,000 homes and businesses in Northwest Georgia.
Provider: Sandersville FiberLink
Website: sandersville.net/internetservices
Phone: 478-552-2525
Services Offered: Data
Area Served: Sandersville and surrounding area
Sandersville FiberLink offers Premium Internet Access and Telecommunication Services to residents and businesses of Sandersville and its service area in Central Georgia.
Misty Chalker says
Do you guys provide internet home services for swainsboro Ga.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We don’t provide internet service anywhere, Misty. We are not a service provider.
William Cato says
I’m disabled and I stream from Xfinity now the year is up and my bill tripled. I also have a phone too. I bought my own equipment just to save. It’s rough enough being poor.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can check out all the low-income internet plans available to find the one that fits your needs best at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Jason Wesley says
Hi my name is Jason Wesley. I’m on disability and my mom and dad is on retirement. We are struggling month to month. We have been trying to find some cheap internet and tv service so we will have more money left over each month. But have been unsuccessful because of where we live. We live out in the boonies. The only internet service available is Hugehsnet or Exceed and the only tv service is either Direct Tv satellite or Dish Network Satellite. If you can help us find some better options it would be greatly appreciated.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You express a problem many other rural readers have commented on, Jason. Rural residents are at a huge disadvantage and have few (if any) choices. Have you checked out all the programs listed on this page?
By the way, we are unaware of any low-income cable TV plans. Internet, yes, but not cable TV.
kathy hAwkins says
I am already a customer through Windstream I got internet and phone I was wanting to see can I get disability cable and phone and internet at a low low price I would surely appreciate it if I could hear back from you and we could make a deal I’ve been there for a while now paying my bills interested in low income cable internet and phone please contact me as soon as possible Kathy Diane Hawkins thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can check out ALL the low-income internet plans currently available at the following link, Kathy:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
For more information on the great free government cell phone program, visit our other site, FreeGovermentCellPhones.net, which has all the info you need.
The low-income internet programs have no connection to the free government cell phone program, so, yes, you can have both (if you qualify).
Deborah Johnson says
hello my name is Deborah I am on permanent disability AHA housing and a member of Epilespy Foundation of Georgia 64 years can I get help with some type of internet service my free phone service is with QLINK can you send me any information that might help me
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
First of all, Deborah, please understand that there is absolutely no connection between the free government cell phone program and the various low-income internet plans. The good news is that you can enroll in both kinds of programs. Here’s where you can find info on all those low-income internet plans. Check them all out carefully to find the one that fits your needs best:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
JR says
Thanks for your hard work.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thanks, JR. Much appreciated.
david anthony says
how can I get government internet?????????…I am on public assistance…….I am also a senior…69 years of age…….
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Start by visiting the following page, David. It will tell you more about all the low-income plans currently available and give you a pretty good idea about where they are available:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
You can also just click through the companies listed on this page.
Christine Fortner says
I need a low-income wifi service that offers to just low-income. We do not get SNAP or any assistance like them yet. We have no children and one income of 15,000 a year. We are both disabled veterans with no disability income just medical cover and neither of us are senior citizens or collect SSI.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find all the current plans:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Take a close look at PCs for People. It’s a great option if it’s available in your area. No kids required and its permits its customers to have higher income than most of the other plans.
Reba Clarke says
Century Link is supposed to have discounted internet service for low income but don’t let them fool you. They told me my internet was $12 a month and so was my phone $12 amonth my 1st bill was $293 and I live off of $600 a month.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Call customer service and ask to speak to a supervisor. It sounds as if they put you on a regular plan instead of Internet Basics.
Brian says
I need like more infor on Low-Income Internet Options
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out this page. It describes all the low-income Internet plans available. Make sure you check them all out to determine which ones you are eligible for and which ones are available in your area.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Alexis Mills says
I noticed that PCs for People internet service isn’t listed. Is it in every state?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
PCs for People uses the Sprint network, so you can get PCs for People Internet service anywhere you can get Sprint cell service.
Alison Watson says
I live in the Grady County where the only service we have available is Windstream and Satellite Internet at this time. CNS has promised us since 2007 that the company would be bringing the service down our road but they have failed to do so. I’m only 1 mile from the city limits sign off of 188 and CNS is all around the roads except ours. We don’t have a choice as to a provider and I’m on disability, Medicaid, and Food Stamps, right now I’m paying for Satellite internet so my grandkids have internet for School work and I can’t afford to pay for it but I’ve got no choice. Can someone please give me an alternative of how I can get low income internet service. Please I need help.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Take a look at PCs for People at this link. It depends on whether you live in an area served by the national Sprint network, but it may be your best bet.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Corine V Walter says
Lives in Athens,Georgia I am looking for some cheap internet Please help .