Despite the fact that Michigan is the 19th most connected state, and despite the fact that there are 155 broadband providers in the state, 35,000 residents have no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 9.9 million Michiganders, 748,000 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 those, 286,000 are stuck with low data caps because their only internet option is fixed wireless or mobile broadband.
This highly progressive state has some absolutely horrible poverty numbers. The overall poverty rate is 17%. The child poverty rate is 25%. The senior poverty rate is 10%. And the extreme poverty rate is 8.0%.
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
- Access from AT&T
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Frontier Communications
- BrightHouse Networks
- MediaCom
- 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: Nexus
Where: Ohio, New Jersey, Nevada, Mississippi, Michigan, Louisiana, Iowa and California
Budget: $2,800,000
Contact: 877-870-9444
Nexus and Connect Ohio investigated the impact of various subsidies and digital literacy on rates of broadband adoption. Subscribers were given $15, $20 or zero subsidies (depending on their home zip codes) on a variety of plans differentiated by usage limits. Nexus expected the results to demonstrate (1) subscribers’ willingness to pay for data limit increases and (2) to determine if subscribers were satisfied with the choices they made.
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.”
A number of states, including Michigan, have passed legislation prohibiting municipalities from forming their own broadband networks. As ArsTechnica.com explains the Michigan situation, “Municipalities must seek bids before providing telecom services and can move forward only if they receive fewer than three qualified bids.”
With that in mind, we are aware of only one municipality in the Wolverine state that has overcome the legislatively-imposed restrictions in order to provide residential service to its residents:
Provider: Sebewaing Light and Water Department
Website: slandw.com
Phone: 989-883-2700
Services Offered: Data, Video, Voice
Area Served: Sebewaing
The Village of Sebewaing, located on the shores of Lake Huron just northeast of Saginaw, offers high speed broadband service to every home and business in its service area.
Kerrith Eckert says
I am moving to Davison MI from East Tawas MI where I currently have AT&T low income internet for $10/mo, AT&T does not service Davison MI, there are only two internet providers in Davison. .Charter and Frontier, Frontier offers a $19.99/mo service for one year only then it goes to $39.99/yr which I am trying to avoid paying, I am 70 and do get state assistance. I am moving on 9-15-17 and could use some help figuring out what to do.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out PCs for People, 4GCommunity, and Access from AT&T. They may be options that work for you. Check them out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Angi says
It is interesting that Closing The Digital Gap has been enrolling low income into internet for Free or low cost $10/month for years now however they were not included in the list. Closing The Digital Gap is a Michigan nonprofit that has been around for over 10 years. http://Www.CTDG.org
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’ve never heard it CTDG until now, Angi. We’ll investigate and add it to our listings. Thanks for the info.
Alice Rosales says
This information is eye opening. Do you know what service is available for low-income in Saginaw.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are unable to break availability down to the local level, Alice, but click on each of the service providers listed on this page to see if you’re eligible and if they are available in your area. In some cases, it may require a visit to the companies’ websites and/or contacting their customer service teams.
linda says
Is Michigan coming soon.
Zip 48038
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You have several options in Michigan, but we are unable to tell you if they are available down to the zip code level. Only the companies can give you that info, and some of them may have the info available on their websites. Give it a try.
The services that are currently available in Michigan are Access from AT&T, Comcast Internet Essentials, and BrightHouse Networks. But as we said, we cannot authoritatively state that any of them are available in your specific zip code.
Good luck, Linda.
Brian S Young says
I am disabled and I have three kids at home and we receive food stamps and the kids get free lunch, how do I apply
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ve come to the right website, Brian. Here’s a suggestion: Start by clicking the “States” link at the top of this page. Then click on your state. It will give you a good summary of all the programs available in your state.
You should also take a look at this article for a program that’s not listed on that chart. It’s a great program if you live in an area covered by the Sprint network:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/pcs-for-people-best-internet-plan-for-low-income-americans
viki says
I am a disabled senior and need low cost internet in Michigan. Can anyone help direct me to any one.
Kimberly says
Why are you drawing people to your outdated website? Oh yay, you got paid from ads.
JIM says
CHEAP INTERNET FOR POOR SENIORS ON FOOD STAMPS ~ NOT IN THE 49920 AREA OF THE UP OF MI ~ ONLY AT&T’s HUGE RIP OFF PRICES!!!
Cindy says
How do I find internet for low income in Coldwater, MI that I can quality for without having children ? I do get SSI, Medicade, and other help .Please is there anyway you can help me ?
Debra says
Living in battle creek Michigan I want to find low internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check with the service providers listed on this page to find out if the cover your address.