The good news, we suppose, is that Connect2Compete (pronounced Connect To Compete) has introduced new rules that make more people eligible for cheap internet, cheap computers, and digital literacy training.
The bad news is that the 64 words that outline those new rules are almost incomprehensible.
Here’s how the Connect2Compete website explains it:
There are three ways to qualify. First – if your family is on the free or reduced school lunch program. Second – if you belong to a non-profit organization that has been approved as an ‘EveryoneOn’ partner. Third – If you live in one of 14,000 zip codes across the country as defined by having the median income of the county being under $35,000.
Let’s take this one at a time:
“First – if your family is on the free or reduced school lunch program.” Until the new rules were introduced yesterday, this was the only way to qualify for Connect2Compete. Many people complained that the requirement was too narrow and that other needy Americans – senior citizens, for example – were unfairly excluded from the program.
“Second – if you belong to a non-profit organization that has been approved as an ‘EveryoneOn’ partner.” We’re not sure what “belong to a non-profit organization” means. We’re not sure why a new, relatively unknown organization like Connect2Compete would introduce another confusing level of branding like EveryoneOn. Why not keep it simple to understand by calling them Connect2Compete partners?
“Third – If you live in one of 14,000 zip codes across the country as defined by having the median income of the county being under $35,000.” Does this mean that millionaires qualify for the program if they live in low-income areas? Does it mean that low-income Americans who don’t live in one of those 14,000 zip codes don’t qualify unless they qualify under #1 or #2?
C’mon, Connect2Compete. We’re your biggest supporters, and we think you’ve done the right thing by expanding the number of people who are eligible. But more people will apply if you make the rules simpler to understand.
Lynda Schultz says
I am 75 years old on Social Security. Zip code 92504 in Riverside Ca.
Is there anything available for me for low cost internet?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Visit EveryoneOn.org, plug in your zip code, and you’ll find out exactly what’s available in your area. (By the way, this comment moderator grew up in The Inland Empire and has a lot of pleasant memories of good ol’ Riverside.)
Clementine Callahan says
I live in rural Louisiana and I qualify for the program. Problem it is not available in my area. So I have to settle for an expensive 30day WiFi plan. So upset right now.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We hear you, Clementine, but you face the same kind of problem faced by millions of other rural residents in America. Have you checked out EveryoneOne.org to find out which (if any) plans are available in your area? If not, give it a try because it’s a great resource.
Fred Diaz says
Listen up everyone, please don’t get your hopes up. This is all window dressing , Do you honestly believe that an internet cable company is going to give you lifeline internet broadband services , just because a law was enacted on December the first, lol please, I’m disabled and low income and from New York, I have filed at least 10 complaints with the FCC concerning the lifeline programs in New York , no one has ever hear of it !K! Need I go on , disgusting, just disgusting, it’s true , the rich gets rich of suckers like us and I do apologize, but I’m very upset
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can’t blame the Lifeline Broadband companies for the delay, Fred. Blame the Federal Communications Commission that yanked the rug out from under the 9 companies that were approved and the rest of the 22 companies that applied to be Lifeline Broadband service providers. The Lifeline free government cell phone program has been working beautifully for millions of low-income Americans for many years now.
Katy Parish says
I think I qualify for financial help with my internet connection. I am 69 years old and have a monthly income of $650.00. Could you please help me apply for Connect2Complete. Is there an application form or a phone # to call?
Thank you,
Katy Parish
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are other programs you should look at, Katy, just to make sure you’re getting the best plan for what you need. Check out this article that summarizes all the plans. Click through all of them to see which ones are available in your area and will do the best job for you:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
SAO says
I contacted one company that was listed and they charge you for the activation snd charge for the modem that runs on data, start up is $79, after that $10-$20/mo. No contract, but remember it’s a data plan, so you have to watch data! And they don’t guarantee that their wireless modem will extend from one room to another. This mo. I have to pay over $200 for a wireless phone to Verizon and verizon wireless! I won’t even comment on this, because it gets me so angry!
Nerry Jimenez says
I live in Lakeland, Fl. I am low income on SSDI. I have not found a cheap internet. I need help to find a cheap internet provider. Thank You !
Alisa Hejny says
I feel I will qualify for this program but, I’m not sure it would be in my area. Crystal River Fl. 34429. Please let me know how and where I’m to sign up. Alisa