Indiana is the 24th most connected state. It has 129 providers currently offering broadband service in the state.
There are 28,000 people in Indiana with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 6.6 million Indianans, 511,000 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). 179,000 of those people struggle with low data caps on their home internet because their only internet options are fixed wireless or mobile broadband service.
Indiana’s overall poverty rate is 15.9%. Its child poverty rate is 22%. Its senior poverty rate is 10%. And its extreme poverty rate is 7.3%. On one hand we’re tempted to say those numbers look good compared to most of the states. On the other hand we want everyone to know that all poverty is a tragedy.
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
- 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 Lifeline Broadband Pilot Programs are being conducted in Indiana.
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.”
Several municipal networks in Indiana offers broadband service to businesses. But only one of them offers residential service:
Provider: Auburn Essential Services
Website: AuburnEssentialServices.net
Phone: 260-333-0100
Services Offered: Voice, Data, Smart Grid
Area Served: Auburn
AES is a community-owned and operated network that offers Internet, television, point-to-point (private) data, voice and data center co-location services to businesses and residential neighborhoods in Auburn. It currently serves approximately 20,000 residents.
James Fields says
I’m retired and have Social Security and get a Carpenter pension and need a cheap internet plan.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the companies and plans listed on this page, then choose the one that fits your needs best. Contact that company using the info we provided in the article on this page.
Jenni Bradford says
I can’t afford high price internet I’m low-income how can cheap but good internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ve come to the right place. We assume you’re from Indiana since you left your comment on our “Indiana” page. Just check out all the plans on this page to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll in that plan using the contact info we provide.
Rachel says
I would like the list on these internet programs im a low income on assistance i cant afford these high cable companies rates in indiana.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Well, you’re on the right page, Rachel. This article above lists ALL the cheap Internet options available for low-income residents of Indiana. Check them all out, because each one is a little different than all the others and not all of them are available everywhere in the state. So you’ll need to find the one that works for you.
Cindy Scegiel says
I am trying to help a friend get internet services in her home she is a senior citizen and cannot afford internet services. She live in the City of Hobart Indiana. Do you have a service in that area and how much is it a month? Please email me back because she does not have email or internet services so I am doing the searching for her.