Rhode Island is the most connected state. Number one. Yee-haw! A total of 24 different broadband providers do business in the state.
There are 200 people in Rhode Island with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing. To repeat, a mere 200.
Of the one million Rhode Islanders, 2,000 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). A mere 300 are handicapped with low data caps due to their dependence on fixed wireless or mobile broadband providers.
Though Rhode Island is small, it has outsized poverty problems. The smallest state has an overall poverty rate of 13.7%. Its child poverty rate is 20%. Its senior poverty rate is 12%. And its extreme poverty rate is 6.1%.
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
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Cox Low-Income Internet
- 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.
Unfortunately, none of the Federal Communications Commission Broadband Lifeline Pilot Programs were conducted in Rhode Island.
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.”
Unfortunately, no Rhode Island communities are currently operating municipal networks.
William A Major Jr says
To whom it may concern. I was A Tractor Trailer Driver for 19 year’s when my Personal Vehicle was struck and totaled by a 16 year old distracted driver. I am now disabled and finding out very quickly that life would be easier if i had a basic internet connection. I have purchased A
mobile hot spot from Metro pcs plus the 2 phones and i can no longer
afford it. Again I have worked hard all my life and am new to being this way I have had both shoulders reconnected ,neck surgery , waiting on lower back surgery.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Best of luck, William.
R. Shaw says
I’ve had the same problem. The school gave my grandson a device but my daughter couldn’t afford internet? I’m disabled also.this state is so poverty related. That there’s no one to even call to get information on any services. And when i find someone the budget has no money to help…its really sad that being disabled after working 22 years that I have to live in such poverty that I cant go on a computer unless its the library. You go Philippines!! I also had heard the state of NY has free internet?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are unaware of any free internet plans, R. But a number of very affordable internet plans are discussed in the above article. You should check them all out to find the ones you qualify for that are available in your area. Good luck.
Eddy Diamante says
My income is 760 dollars a month I live in Providence Rhode Island is there any problems available to me for low income more free internet
Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s an article that lists all the low-income Internet plans we’ve uncovered. They’re all slightly different with different eligibility requirements, different geographies, and other differences. But check them all out and see which one works best for you.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Mick Mack says
Cox does NOT offer any such discount to seniors, low income or lifeline.
Comcast is NOT available in RI.
Connect 2 compete is NOT available in RI.
Tmobile has been rejected to operate any lifeline type program in RI.
I am a resident of RI and after reading this article tried to engage with the parties you mentioned. Furthermore, I contacted the RI Public Utlities commission whom informed that although 200+ cable providers are on the accepted list, in fact only 3 do biz in RI and they are Cox, Verizon, Dish. You should take this outdated and misinforming article relating to RI down.