Maryland is the 9th most connected state. Nevertheless, there are 4,000 people in Maryland with no absolutely access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 5.9 million Marylanders, 294,000 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). And 70,000 Maryland residents depend on fixed wireless or mobile broadband.
Despite the state’s relative wealth, poverty is a huge problem in Maryland. The overall poverty rate is 10.1%. The child poverty rate is 14%. The senior poverty rate is 12%. And the state’s extreme poverty rate is 5.0%.
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
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- 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.
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.
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 only current muni broadband network offering residential service in Maryland:
Provider: City of Westminster Pilot Project
Website: http://westgov.com (site seems to be dead)
Phone: 410-848-9000
Services Offered: Voice, video and data
Area Served Westminster
Began installation in October, 2014. Pilot project includes residential areas of Carroll Lutheran Village and Fairway Drive and the business areas of Air Business Park. Community leaders want to connect 9,000 homes and 500 businesses.
Kelly clemons says
Wondering what inexpensive internet options may be available for my mom who lives in Berlin, MD – zip code 21811. Thanks.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out each of the options shown on this page. We can’t pinpoint down to the zip code level, but the lists of states and cities we provide will give you a rough indication.
Miss Julia Nicholson says
I had a lifeline phone but without internet I could not get into the screen for phone calls. Then I tried Assurance but without wifi I could not even set it up. I have basic cable but watch less than 6 hours a week.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Wrong website, Julia. This website specializes in low-income internet plans, NOT free government cell phones. Check out:
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net
Cplleen E. Oliver says
I just finished reading an advertisement about receiving a free antenna. It says, Seniors Are Taking Advantage of New 2018 Rule That Allows Americans To Get FREE TV In HD, Causing Millions to Cancel Cable. This was the article/advertisement posted by LifeStyle & Tech, and LIFEMONEYDAILY. The antenna is less than $100.00 and is suppose to work better than anything on the market according to reviews listed. However, when I tried to get one, the site wasn’t secure. But, my zip code 21787, was o.k. Why did you not mention this in your article regarding Maryland being in the business of helping seniors. Is this a scam?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re not familiar with the specific ad you’re referring to, Colleen, but millions of Americans are now receiving HD TV the old-fashioned way – by antenna. You can get qualify antennas from Amazon or eBay or Best Buy and many other legitimate retailers.
Tabia says
Do any of these low cost DSL services offer cable tv access?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
No. Well, many of them offer cable TV because they are cable companies, but none of them offer steeply discounted, low-income cable TV service.
Harry says
I live in Cumberland Md, 21502 do you know if Verizon has a low income plan for DSL?
Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Harry, Verizon does not participate in any low-income internet service plans. But you’re on the right page — check out each of the companies shown on this page to find the plan that fits your needs best.
Barb says
I live in Queen Annes county Millington Maryland. I work as a waitress and have two kids in elementary and high school. I am having trouble finding low income Internet programs in my area.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a couple plans that serve Maryland, Barb. They’re both a little different than the “normal” low-income plans, but they’re great plans. The only drawback to each of them is that you need to pay a bit of money upfront. But we think you’ll find that the upfront money is well worth the high speed service you receive and the virtually unlimited usage they offer.
One is called PC for People and you can find out more about it here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
The other is called 4GCommunity and you can find more info about it here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-cost-internet-service
Wanda Paris says
I live in Anne Arundel County Maryland. I am a senior and on Medicaid. Am I eligible for any of these plans for low cost internet?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
If you live in HUD-assisted housing you may qualify for the Comcast seniors plan. You may also qualify for the PCs for People plan. Check out all the plans here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Laura Hoffmann says
Hi! This may b stupid question but can I get internet se