Experts say Massachusetts is the 4th most connected state, but they also cite some additional shocking statistics.
For example, there are 7,000 in Massachusetts with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 6.7 million residents of Massachusetts, 133,000 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). Another 30,000 depend on fixed wireless or mobile broadband for internet access.
Despite the fact that Massachusetts is generally thought of as a wealthy, highly educated state, it has a large poverty problem. Its overall poverty rate is 11.9%. Its child poverty rate is 15%. Its senior poverty rate is 12%. And its extreme poverty rate is a disturbing 5.5%.
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
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Cox Low-Income Internet
- Connect2Compete (EveryoneOn)
- 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.
Who: TracFone and Technology Goes Home
Where: Wisconsin, Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland and Florida
Budget: $915,000
Contact: 617-635-2822 (Technology Goes Home); 800-867-7183 (TracFone)
TracFone’s pilot program offers differing combinations of free or discounted hardware combined with service at a cost of $10 or $20 per month. The purpose of this TracFone and Technology Goes Home pilot program was to test low-income customers’ sensitivity to upfront and ongoing prices. By comparing two different offers, TracFone was expected to estimate the adoption and success of each offer.
Who: Virgin Mobile and Technology Goes Home
Where: Ohio and Massachusetts
Budget: $1,200,000
Contact: 617-635-2822 (Technology Goes Home); 800-867-7183 (TracFone)
This pilot program tested the effect on adoption and retention of discounted prices and device costs by offering four varying subscription offers. Two groups of subscribers paid $20 while two other groups paid $0 with a $20 activation fee. Virgin and TGH hoped to determine customers’ sensitivity to upfront versus ongoing costs and also gather information on broadband adoption rates and data usage.
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. 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 networks offering residential service in Massachusetts:
Provider: Leverett Municipal Light Plant
Website: leverett.ma.us
Phone: 413-548-9699
Service Offered: Voice, data
Area Served: Leverett
Leverett is part of a statewide initiative to bring high speed fiber optic cable service to underserved towns across the state. This project will eventually bring this service to every home in the city.
Provider: Norwood Light Broadband
Website: norwoodlight.com
Phone: 781-948-1150
Services offered: Voice, Data
Area Served: Norwood
Fiber connections available for businesses, HFC for residential (with speeds up to 25 mbps)
Peter says
I have had an xfinity account since I became disabled, and am now on SSDi. They say I do not qualify for Internet Essentials, because I am already a customer. Is there another provider that I can switch to in Brockton, 02301 zip code, in order to get a much lower rate ?
Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We can’t track it down to the zip code level, but here’s where you can find a list of the companies offering plans in your state.
Ginger says
Why is free government phones mentioned in this article? Those are riddled with phishing scam calls and text messages. And if potential users of the service research most companies that offer the service physically scam their customers
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We do not know that to be true, Ginger. Our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, has been covering the Lifeline program for more than ten years. There are some occasional problems, but the overall program has been incredibly beneficial for millions of low-income Americans.
MS says
Is there any law or court decision you are aware of that is requiring Spectrum to offer Internet Assist? Or could they stop offering it at any time?
By the way, thank you for this valuable website. Your responses to comments are both educational and hilarious (in a good way).
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
They could end the program at any time they want, MS. But thanks for the compliment. We can now count you and mom among those who think we’re funny.
margaret quigg says
I am a comcost customer. I have used their service for about 7-1/2 years and at no time did they offer me low cost internet service. I am almost 74 yrs old and on SSA and living in low income housing. (My whole building is ‘affordable housing’ w/o exception) I have been the entire time I have been with comcast. I recently tried to qualify for the low income/senior program was told I didn’t qualify because I was a current customer and must be without their internet service for 90 days. My problem is this: why wasn’t I offered this discount when I first signed up for internet service? I saw reference to their discount on a FB posting by a local. Otherwise, I would not have know they even offered such a thing. Again, why was I not offered this discount when I first signed up since it was obvious I was more than qualified by age, housing and income? What can I do to qualify for low cost internet? My comcast bill has steadily increased (a growing problem in Fall River MA). Can you help me?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
None of these companies ask if a customer is eligible without being asked, Margaret. They want to maximize their profits, so they have no motivation to ask new customers if they might qualify.
Jeanne klimowicz says
Looking for a cheap 10.00 month cable TV bill for Leominster, ma I m living in a rooming house cable ready. I have snap benefits and mass health and sm on very low income right now
What can I buy right now yo get some basic channels
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We specialize in cheap internet, Jeanne, NOT in cheap cable. We are unaware of any plans that offer cable TV plans anywhere near $10 per month. Sorry.
Alison Chapman says
Can I get internet & tv services at a low cost if I am on SSDI in Massachusetts?I will be living by myself on 4/1.I do not have a child receiving free lunch. It will be for myself?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It depends on which service providers offer plans in your area. Check them all out to find the one that fits your needs best:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Brenda says
I live in Franklin County MASS. I’ve read other comments here mine is not much different. I’ve tried DishNet and others with these offers. I’m disabled and almost never go out due to my illness and disability all I have is my laptop and internet to keep busy. I worked as a waitress most my life so I get the lowest benifits $800.
Why do they offer these great adorable low income programs and then deny you because of poor credit checks and my income is too low? Have you ever called Dish for their program just to hear the questions? I have Time Warner/Comcast over 4 yrs and they know I’m disabled but they never told me they had any programs. I will call tomorrow I know the answer you have a great package there’s nothing lower.
Thank you for the information here.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are no credit checks or minimum income levels required for any of these plans, Brenda. Check them all out at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Shelley says
Brenda, I know this comes kind of late but I just happened upon your comment and may have a solution to your PROBLEM. I recently visited my mom in Florida and she was complaining about Charter/Spectrum because she really only wanted cheap internet and was pushed into one of those bundled packages. I told her I was quite sure there were programs I had seen public service messages about in Massachusetts. I went online and went to Spectrums website and scrolled down until I saw it, entered her zipcode to see it was available. That was the easy part. I then spent a total of nine hours over two days on the phone with Spectrum fighting for her. They have a stipulation that you don’t qualify if you’re an existing customer. Well, they finally agreed and she went from paying almost $160 per month to $15 per month! I went on Amazon and ordered a wireless router to avoid a five dollar month fee and also ordered her an Amazon fire stick. She has so much to watch she will never be bored and all for fifteen dollars a month., try it, just be stubborn, call when you have time to wait and just don’t give up! I hope this helps you! The internet providers will never tell you what is really available to you, they want to make as much money as possible.good luck
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
An old friend of ours always said, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Looks like that should be amended to read, “If you don’t ask repeatedly, you don’t get.”
CELESTE says
FYI COMCAST LOW NET OFFERED IN THE CITY OF BOSTON, DO U BELIEVE?
Maureen says
I don’t believe it. They tried it in Haverhill, MA & stopped it because of a low turnout.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of low-income internet plans available, Maureen. You can get info on all of them at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Rey says
Any news on the introduction of a lifeline broadband or lifeline Internet program being launched in MA? Thanks
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The Lifeline Broadband program is in complete disarray after the new FCC Commissioner retracted the approvals given to the first six internet service providers. We’ll update our readers as soon as the dust settles and there’s additional information.
Alexis Velasquez says
I am in a shelter in Massachusetts with my four year old son. I am a full time student , I got a laptop through my school. I need affordable internet access for my laptop. I will use it for my son as well. He has ASD and is great on computers for a four year old. But his speech is off. Now the shelter has its own xifinity wifi but will not give the access to me.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Wow, with all your other problems, Alexis, it’s a shame that your shelter won’t help its residents with something this important. We can think of one solution. It’s called PCs for People. We do not know if it’s available in your area, but it’s worth checking out. You can find out more about it here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Terri says
I’m looking for the least expensive internet service in the Fall River MA area. I am disabled and on a fixed income. Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We cannot accurately tell you which plans are available on a town-by-town basis, Terri. But many of the companies’ websites allow you to plug in an address or a zip code to find out if the service is available in your area. You can also contact the companies to find out what’s available in your area. Good luck.