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Cheap internet is here: 22 companies to offer Lifeline Broadband
It’s taken a while. It’s been a long wait. But twenty-two companies have now petitioned the FCC to become Lifeline Broadband service providers and are currently in various stages of approval.
Some of them are well-known names from the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone business, such as Access Wireless, Assist Wireless, Blue Jay Wireless, enTouch Wireless, Life Wireless, Safelink Wireless, TruConnect, and Q Link Wireless.
Others are companies that use new technologies to provide low-cost cell and internet service, but are not part of the Lifeline Assistance program, such as Karma and FreedomPop.
And some companies are new names to us, such as Applied Research Design, Flat Wireless, Free Mobile, Kajeet, KonaTel, and Red Pocket (to name a few).
Some of the competitors are offering the new Lifeline Broadband service nationally, some in most states, and others in a small number of states.
But the bottom line is that you now have choices — lots of choices — that will provide you with internet and cell/internet bundles at prices low-income Americans can afford.
Oh, happy day!
Here is a complete list of the new Lifeline Broadband service providers and the states in which they will be available. We’ll add to this list as more companies come on board. None of these companies have outlined their Lifeline packages yet, so we will also update those facts and figures as soon as they become available.
i-wireless (Access Wireless)
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, PR (47 states plus DC, PR)
Applied Research Designs
IL
Assist Wireless
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI, PR (37 states plus PR)
Blue Jay Wireless
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, PR (48 states plus DC and PR)
Boomerang/enTouch
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, PR (49 states plus DC and PR)
Cintex Wireless
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY (47 states plus DC, PR)
Easy Telephone Services
AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, MS, MO, OK, TX (9 states)
Airvoice (FeelSafe Wireless)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, PR, VI (48 states, plus DC, PR and VI)
Flat Wireless, LLC
AZ, NM (2 states)
Free Mobile Inc.
AL, CA, FL, IL, MS, NJ, NY, TX (8 states)
STS Media (FreedomPop)
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC (48 states plus DC)
Kajeet
Nationwide
Karma Mobility
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, PR, VI (47 states plus DC, PR and VI)
KonaTel, Inc.
AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MA ,MI, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX (15 states)
Telrite (Life Wireless)
Nationwide
Plains Internet, LLC
TX (one state)
Q Link
Nationwide
Red Pocket
CA, FL, NY, PA (4 states)
SelecTel (SelecTel Wireless)
CA, IA, KY, OH, MO, NE, TX (7 states)
Spot On Networks, LLC
NY (one state)
Tracfone (Safelink Wireless)
Nationwide
TruConnect
AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, PR, VI (47 states plus DC, PR and VI)
In addition, one company Ztar Mobile, originally applied to become a Lifeline Broadband service provider, but has since withdrawn its application.
One thing to keep in mind
If you’re a Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone customer, please do not get your hopes up that Lifeline Broadband will be free. We expect most of the above companies to simply offer discounts on Lifeline Broadband and bundles.
But keep your fingers crossed. Maybe we’ll all be pleasantly surprised.
Wondering how to get internet for a lower rate due to fixed income. I have a life support phone but wanted to include internet and I cant afford 50.00 a month
Some of the lifeline service providers are still offering the plans for people who qualify. I looked over some of those in my state and they offer unlimited texts, 1000 minutes and 4.5 GB data per month. I wonder who came up with the 4.5 figure. I guess they base it on allowing an average of 0.15 GB of use per day. (or about 150 MB per day). I will some of my relatives know about getting free internet and phone service.
Visit our other site, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, for everything you need to know. Well, everything except how they came up with that number. That’s still a mystery.
I went over to the other site and read some articles with some companies shutting down the Lifeline service earlier. It sort of reminds me of the many free dial up unlimited internet service providers (ISPs) back in the 1990s.
Most of the free cell phones are Android phones. If you want to use an iPhone, you will have to pay some to get one.
I read an article about the 4.5 GB limit. It was made by the departing FCC chairman at the end of 2020 just before he departed. It was another increase from the previous minimum daily limit for the Lifeline program. Some of the providers balked at the new limit because the Government payment to the providers for the service has been fixed for several years (at $9.25 per monthly subscription) and offering more data would not be able to reimburse them adequately. Some of the providers said it was the FCC attempt to push them out of the Lifeline program (or force them to only offer voice and text options for free) so that the bigger players would take over more of the subscriptions. The article also noted that the number of subscriptions during the 2017 to 2020 period saw an almost 50% decline in the program’s enrollment.
You agree with our thoughts on the issue. The monthly subsidy per customer has remained the same since the program was started back in 2009. The economy was roaring from 2017-2020 and unemployment dropped to record lows, so it makes sense that the number of people who qualified for the program dropped during those years.
Teresa Hebertsays
I previously had y’all as my service thru the snap program and Medicaid. My phone had gotten broken and I could not get another one without buying it and I don’t have extra money for that so my service got cut off due to none use after 30 days. I did get me a phone that is compatible with y’all but I would rather the home I internet instead. Is that an option for me. I’m n Louisiana.
Any options for Zip 31510? Sprint’s map says coverage is here but contacting Sprint they say the tower is 5 miles away and can’t explain why the map says there is internet coverage. I can’t find anything really affordable. Looks like all the Mobile Beacon partners and others use Sprint. Anybody use Verizon and offer low-cost internet or hotspot?
I live in billington, Tx and have been died to find them s lifeline Internet and keep being told its not offered at my address. I was under the assumption at least 1company had to offer it in rural areas. Is this not true?
Unfortunately, no. There are lots of rural areas of the United States that have no internet service. The problem is that it’s incredibly expensive to run cable. For example, a mile of cable might pass by hundreds of thousands of homes in a city, it might not even pass one home in a really rural area. Same cost of laying cable, but far less potential income.
There are no widespread seniors’ programs yet, When. (By the way, you have the coolest name of the week.) But you may qualify for reasons other than your age. Check out all the low-income internet plans available to find the one that fits your needs best:
There are a number of low-income internet plans available, Renee, and you should look at them all to figure out which ones are available in your area and which ones you are eligible for. Here’s where you can find complete info on all those plans:
I have contacted these companies where the so called cheap internet is offered. I live in Sikeston, Missouri and all of them told me the same thing Spectrum and AT&T put all the cables in and you can only get internet service through them. and no one else. So the information you are giving out is not accurate. And the only low cost internet AT&T offers is for people who receive food stamps. And Spectrum does not offer any low cost internet service. There is no low cost internet service for seniors out there. Seniors don’t have school age children in the home most of the tome. And if a person is 65 they receive social security not SSI.so they are also disqualified. Please check your facts before you publish stuff in the future.call these companies andget the truth
How about if you do a little more research, Saphrey, before you shoot your freakin’ mouth off. Your comment is wrong about so many things that we’re not going to waste our time responding.
There is no widespread program yet available for seniors, Carol. However, there are a number of plans available and you may be eligible for one of them. Check them all out here:
Lifeline Assistance is the “free government cell phone” program. It is a very close brother (sister?) of the Lifeline Broadband plan. Unfortunately, after initially approving the Lifeline Broadband program, the FCC has now put it on hold.
I was turned down by centurylink for their low income basics program only because I have had their service for 3 years…I qualified due to low income…what can I do to help get this changed…this is rediculous…I’ve struggled for 3 years to pay the hundreds I have gave that company and they turned me down because I already have the service and am paying $40 a month???????
Here’s what we’d suggest, Lynnette. Take a look at all the low-income plans offered to see if you can find another one you qualify for that’s available in your area. In particular, pay attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity:
I ran into this B.S. with CenturyLink as well, several years back. I called and they claimed that as a current customer, I didn’t qualify for the reduced rate even though I met the other qualifications, and that it was programmed into the system and they couldn’t override it. A supervisor claimed the same thing.
I told them, “Well, then, you are going to lose a long-time customer. Cancel my internet service today. I will be looking at other options and may never come back…or I may return in 90 days to get the low income rate, per your rules.” They said, “You can’t do that!” I said, “Hey, YOU wrote the rules, I’m just playing the game according to YOUR rules.” They said, “It can’t be done.” I said, “I guess we’ll find out in 90 days, won’t we?”
On the 91st day, I called and just asked to start Low Income internet Service. They entered my info into the system and said, “It’ll be on in xx hours.” I kept the service for the next five years. When they showed that I was in Month 59 of 60 and that the price would jump to their regular unaffordable price after Month 60, I cancelled just in time. I was moving anyway.
Now I live about 15 miles away, my building is served by CenturyLink as well, and I will be attempting to find out if the system is programmed to catch people who have already used up their five year max.
P.S. The documents on the website that I see in the Seattle area are messed up. They show links to two application forms that are supposed to be for different groups of states, but the forms don’t list the states and are nearly identical. They are also missing a page. And they appear to only give lease or buy options for the modem, but since I still have their modem, I don’t want to pay for a new one. So, we’ll see what happens.
The much-anticipated Lifeline Broadband plan has been put on hold, but there are other low-income internet plans available and you should check them out. We’re confident that at least one will help you out in Tucson:
I was talking about the Lifeline service~ if it is already implemented for phones how much harder could it be for internet access??? I believe it is ALL ABOUT THE MONEY AIN’T A DAMN THING FUNNY!!!
This service would be GREAT!!! If it ever gets off the ground. Why is there always so much hoopla when trying to help the poverty stricken portions of our country. Is it because the bottom line is how can they get paid to do the right thing. Maybe if more people had internet access they would be climbing out of poverty and contributing to the economy of the world and our future generations
i am trying to find low cost internet only for my granddaughter who is a single parent with one small daughter and another baby due next month – because her tv is a smart tv her mom was paying for internet so she could view youtube but now her mom no longer has extra income for that so i thot if i could help – her mom was paying $50 for charter internet only and feel that is really high especially for low-income people – she lives in victorville, california so dont know what is available there for her – i have frontier fios in apple valley which is nearby but she said there is no fios in her area – all she wants is internet – no tv – so she can go online with computer and use youtube
Hello! I need to find a low come internet service. I can’t afford expensive prices. I receive SNAP and disability benefits from MA. government and Social Security.
Please I need help with my wifi. I have my own phone but my bill is to high I need a big discount to survive. I’m unemployed with no income coming in. I can’t pay my next wifi bill or cell which is badly needed for a job.
I’m here in New York City and am a Lifeline Phone user with Verizon. Their broadband prices are skyrocketing. Are there any options for Lifeline Broadband in my area? I don’t see them here on this list but maybe I missed something. Thank you.
Check out all the low-income plans at the following link, Alexander. Each of them is available in different parts of the country and each has its own eligibility requirements. We have high hopes that you’ll be able to find at least one plan that works for you in NYC:
My Internet Service will be INCREASING next month from $45. to 55 per month. I am 69 yrs old, living on a fixed income, whereby EVERYTHING keeps going up, but my FIXED Income. Is there anyway you can help a Senior Citizen find discounted rates for Senior Citizens in TULSA OK? Please advise ASAP. Thank you.
Check out all the low-income internet plans available at the following link, Bobbie. Not all of them will be available in Tulsa, and you won’t be eligible for most of them, but you may find some that work for you. Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity:
I think the assumption is that almost nobody (those that are not illegal aliens) will want to climb over the wall to go to Mexico. Similar to the Great Wall of China, the purpose of it was to prevent the northern “barbarians” from attacking the country. The earlier portions were built during the first emperor’s reign, but the more familiar parts were built during the Ming Dynasty. The Manchus, however, got past the wall by entering through a pass that a Ming general allowed them to go through and later took over China in the 17th century.
My question of “do you see some major changes in policy coming to the Lifeline program short or long term now?” – back dated in this same article on December 9, 2016 at 1:22 pm – two or three pages back.
Then your statement of “The new FCC Commissioner has put the whole program on hold. It’s a very messy situation. But we’ll update this story as soon as more information is available.” dated February 14, 2017 and same article this page.
WELL – not even the first 100 days has passed now and we get this – while EU improves the situation with people’s privacy step by step, the US government does the opposite. . .
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has voted to roll back some net neutrality regulations that require broadband providers to inform customers about their network management practices.
The Republican-controlled FCC on Thursday suspended the net neutrality transparency requirements for broadband providers with fewer than 250,000 subscribers. Critics called the decision anticonsumer.
The transparency rule, waived for five years in a 2-1 party-line vote Thursday, requires broadband providers to explain to customers their pricing models and fees as well as their network management practices and the impact on broadband service.
The commission had previously exempted ISPs with fewer than 100,000 subscribers, but Thursday’s decision expands the number of ISPs not required to inform customers. Only about 20 U.S. ISPs have more than 250,000 subscribers.
The five-year waiver may be moot, however. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Republicans in Congress are considering ways to scrap a large chunk of the net neutrality regulations approved by the agency just two years ago.
Small ISPs have argued the transparency rules amount to burdensome and costly regulations, while consumer advocates have argued that broadband customers have the right to know when a provider is throttling traffic. The exemption will allow small ISPs to redirect the money they spend on compliance, Pai said.
“I firmly believe that these ISPs should spend their limited capital building out better broadband to rural America, not hiring lawyers and accountants to fill out unnecessary paperwork demanded by Washington, D.C.,” he said.
However, the White House Office of Management and Budget, under former President Barack Obama, found that compliance with the transparency rules takes each broadband provider less than seven hours a year, noted Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, a Democrat. The new waiver exempts some large companies with smaller broadband subsidiaries from the transparency rules, she said.
“In an ongoing quest to dismantle basic consumer protections for broadband services, the majority has decided to exempt billion-dollar public companies from being transparent with consumers,” Clyburn added. “This represents yet another in a series of steps being taken to jettison pro-consumer initiatives.”
The commission’s two Republicans defended the change. In January, the House of Representatives passed a bill with a similar exemption in a voice vote with no dissenters, Commissioner Michael O’Rielly noted.
The vote represents a “sensible and soundly justifiable exemption for small internet service providers from unnecessary and expensive” regulations, O’Rielly said.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Note that the article sited stated that “The Republican-controlled FCC”, so I can’t help but think they are also sizing up the USAC- Lifeline program as well with it’s fat budget and revenue streams – as the cuts across all boards they’re wanting to make. It’s only time now as they learn of ways to make the cuts and focus in on the whole government support of the poor – trying to bump it back to the States which are boarderline broke anyway.
IS IT – truly a BAD Time to be POOR in the USA and a recipient of Gov. subsidies and programs. The rich has always ran this country but now they’re in controlling rolls of it as well from all points.
Pray for us.
Steve
PS: ISP limited capital heck if they cut executives big multi-Million dollar bonuses, and this is a chain action to a blanket effect just watch – “the majority has decided to exempt billion-dollar public companies from being transparent with consumers”.
There is another company for free phone service with life line program. It’s called feelsafe wireless with airvoice wireless. California and Kentucky as well as a few more other States. Company is new to me but I’m not sure I’f anyone else knows about i . So I posted it here. .
We cover FeelSafe over at our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, which will give you all the info you need about the Lifeline Assistance program. Here’s a link that will take you directly to a page that will tell you all the service providers in your state:
I need internet connected for cheap but spectrum assists tells me to check back in April . I need internet now. Spectrum only covers my area. Although I have seen at& t with a few if my neighbors. Anyway I’ve heard spectrum has awesome customer service so I’ll go with them. My kindergartener uses a progrom required for homework for practice and I need interent. Please no rude comments thank you. I can’t make it to the library with the kids everyday so that’s not an option I live in , Torrance , 90501 California
Not so fast, Kelly. The new FCC Commissioner has put the whole program on hold. It’s a very messy situation. But we’ll update this story as soon as more information is available.
We haven’t done an update because there is nothing to update, John. Nothing good, that is. The new FCC commissioner has brought the whole program to a “temporary” halt. None of our contacts at the companies are willing to comment. It’s a mess.
Click through each of the companies/plans at the following link to find the ones for which you qualify and which are also available where you live. Then use the contact info provided for each company to enroll:
Last week I figured I’d consolidate my communications and ported my Straight Talk number and brought my Straight Talk phone to Safelink. Basically the same company(America Movil), same phone and same carrier(Verizon). Now the text messaging works only intermittently. 8 days and countless hours on the phone with Tracfone customer service and they seem to be unable to resolve the problem. I’m wondering if Safelink by adding unlimited texting to Tracfone creates some sort of technical gltich. Tracfone doesn’t normally offer unlimited text messages. Maybe too many layers of programming. However I’m just about fed up with Tracfone’s awful customer service.
Mobile Lifeline Broadband: Some free government cell phone companies already offer some data with their Lifeline Assistance plans, but they primarily offer voice and texting. As of December 1, 2016, free government cell phone service providers must include at least 500 MB of Internet data usage per month. That minimum will increase to 2 GB per month by the end of 2018. Cell phone plans have also been boosted. As of December 1, all free government cell phone service providers will be required to offer unlimited voice plans. (Sorry, texters, but the FCC is not yet requiring service providers to provide unlimited texts. But we wouldn’t be at all surprised if that get included the next time the FCC reviews the program.)
I would like to add a tip for those who can not afford to have unlimited minutes.
If you have an Android phone and internet with a Wifi connection, you can get a Google voice number for free and download the Hangouts dialer app on your phone to make free calls to US and Canada with your Google voice number. I’ve done it and it works. And the call quality is pretty good.
You can also make Hangouts calls on 3G or LTE and you will use data from your plan. But works in a pinch.
Just thought I’d let you know. I logged into the safelink wireless web site yesterday. Indeed there is now the option to have “unlimited voice” along with unlimited texts and 500MB of data for $15 per month. There are also other options to buy more data which I posted below. To me $15 is reasonable to have unlimited voice minutes.
Steve here – very nice answer ya gave to Tanya Marshburn of her question posted on December 30, 2016 at 6:17 am.
The part stated “You must go 90 days without Comcast service to qualify.” 90 days can be easily done on PCs for People – though 90 days being the minimum subscription term and which still requires the purchase of the Hotspot device to have the Internet.
I’ve asked about the Hotspot device being able to be used on another Sprint MVNO if one wanted to, in emailing their Customer Service Manager with PCs for People back.
The answer I got was-
“Should you decide to discontinue your service with us and want to sell your modem, you actually can take the SIM card out and sell it without. The SIM card is activated by Sprint and tied to that specific device, which is tied to PCs for People’s business account with Sprint. Therefore, the device could not be used by anyone but a PCs for People customer with the SIM card that came in it because the card is locked into PCs for People’s account. If the end user wanted to purchase a new SIM card and use the device through Sprint, that is entirely possible.”
Along with more questions I had for her, I had asked her to confirm the part “If the end user wanted to purchase a new SIM card and use the device through Sprint, that is entirely possible.”
Because I had read that Sprint does not sell SIM cards only – like I’ve seen FreedomPop do which is a Sprint MVNO – I asked could we get a Sprint company officer conformation about this.
This was all done about a week before Christmas, so I told her to take her time with her return reply. As soon as I get a reply back I’ll post that information in the proper topic PCs for People.
Tanya Marshburn will be able to sell the Sprint Hotspot but, with the monthly subscription price going down the longer term that is bought and the Internet being Unlimited in usage and then mobile too. It’s just gotta blow Comcast out of her thoughts of it’s Internet Essentials program. Can’t take that internet to grandma’s house or the park to do school work.
Steve
I posted a link below to Tracfone’s FCC petition for their proposed plans for mobile broadband. I’m wondering if you had a chance to look it over?
I did notice that they had proposed 350 minutes/month but now have 500 minutes. However, they did away with the rollover plan. I liked the rollover plan because I could accumulate unused minutes. To me, the non-rollover plan encourages people to use the up minutes so they’ll likely have to “buy” more.
I wish they’d offer the option to pay for unlimited voice minutes. Would be worth the $15.
Anyway Thanks for this informational site. It’s been helpful.
The Lifeline Broadband plan was supposed to be up and running by now, but it’s run into some government roadblocks, Mark. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t programs that can help you. Check out all the other low-income internet plans at the following link:
Not all of them will be available in your area and you won’t be eligible for some of them, but check them all out and pay particular attention to two plans — PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They’re great options if they are available in your area.
We’re unable to track the programs down to the local level, but if you look at our “Low-Income Internet” page you’ll be able to see a reasonably-accurate list of towns and cities. Most of the providers have a place to plug your zip code or address into a function that allows you to see if that particular plan is available where you live.
On page 13 of the PDF file which is page 9 of the petition,
it states
“TracFone Lifeline broadband subscribers, including subscribers that reside on Tribal
lands, who wish to purchase additional voice minutes or data beyond the amounts provided
under the TracFone Lifeline broadband plan will have the following options. Each of the options will provide 30 days of service”
“$15.00 Unlimited talk and text; 500 MB data”
“$20.00 Unlimited talk and text; 1 GB data”
“$30.00 Unlimited talk and text; 4 GB data”
“$45.00 Unlimited talk and text; 10 GB data”
I’m a single mom with one income and I’m struggling to pay Comcast price internet service each month. I’ve asked Comcast about internet programs for children that are home school and they have no clue what I’m talking about. It’s so unfair that some of these cable company’s don’t support low-income families and the greed to expand there business profits is more important then lives. I’m in need of a lower internet provider that can support my child home school needs. The FCC needs to really look into this situation and regulate these cable company’s on how they charge the community, and allow other cable companies not just satellite company’s; but other cable company free access to all areas. It should not be dominated by one cable company.
Next time you call in, Tanya, ask for a supervisor. It’s not uncommon for low-level service reps to be ignorant of all the ins-and-outs of the Internet Essentials program. Here’s a link to a blog post by David Cohen, the guy who runs Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, in which he explains that the program has been expanded to include homeschool students.
That being said, you still need to qualify for the program, which means at least one student in your home must qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Note that we didn’t say that student needs to participate in the school lunch program. They merely need to qualify for it.
And now we get to the bad news. If you already have a Comcast account, you will not be allowed to switch over to an Internet Essentials account. You must go 90 days without Comcast service to qualify. However, depending on where you live, there are other programs that may give you more and better service than Comcast. You can read all about them here:
Pay particular attention to two programs: PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They both deliver their internet service via Sprint’s national cell network, so if you are able to enroll with either of those programs, you can get around the Comcast problem. Good luck.
I read Safelink’s recent FCC petition. I’m pretty sure it said they would offer smartphone service with unlimited voice, unlimted text and 500MB of data for $15/month in my state(Massachusetts). But when I called them they said it’s only for California. No unlimited voice in MA.
Any idea what’s going on with them? Are they behind in implementing the new plans? Or am I mistaken?
@Brittainy J. Clarkson
Right now you’re getting a free phone from the government with the possibility of also getting $9.25 a month discount off internet service and you’re complaining that the “FCC has really let me down”. Am I missing something here? Geez….
I live in Pennsylvania area code 18707 and he cannot find a lifeline Internet access for my home. I do belong to Q link wirelesslifeline program but would like to switch to a lifeline Internet program is there one in Pennsylvania for my home?
All the free government cell phone companies are now offering internet service, Dana. Some of them do not offer much, but they all offer some. Check out all the programs to find one that works best for your needs. You can find them here:
Need to find a low income assistance lifeline program Internet access for my home. I do have Q link wireless cell phone but I would like to even possibly change it for broadband
Any further word…..any updates yet regarding any of these listed companies & their internet offerings, as to dates of exactly when?
I got with basic-internet.com before I ever considered applying for SNAP (I’d assumed, incorrectly, that I wouldn’t be eligible). And—though other, larger cities have more than one option for reduced income customers, in Texarkana, which is northeast Texas/southwest Arkansas, the only form of reduced cost internet comes via EveryoneOn.org referred basic-internet.com. To be very blunt—-it’s sucky(sic). I pay 32.50 per month for 5gb plus unlimited streaming, which sounds great in theory, but its actually horrid—-the streaming buffers incessantly. I’ve noticed that the beginning of a new billing period, if I hit it right, I can actually watch a movie all the way through. I have Amazon Prime at a discount otherwise I wouldn’t have it at all. I resort to downloading movies from Amazon (when I’m in the vicinity ie a local business on to my second hand 5s Iphone, and then plugging it into my tv to watch on a larger screen.
AT&T proclaims re its internet service, that it serves 21 states——-but should clarify that it serves specific areas in those 21 states. Texarkana is twin cities, and neither has AT&T’s Access Wireless. Yet, I’d never have heard of it if it weren’t for “initially” having noticed it being advertised at the bottom of Dollar General receipt
@Rae says – December 13, 2016 at 10:46 am
“uuuuuuhhhhhh Steve-anything else to offer?? Please drop the politics. Thanks”
I made a lot of good points – before that statement of facts, I offered knowledge that the above article hadn’t covered. I asked questions…
[I did say I was sorry to have to ask this] – maybe it was to many words then where you didn’t see that part Rae and over looked this part also [I don’t mean it to be political] – really Rae for politics to be involved requires more than I did in just stating of the facts that were required to know of the relevant information and then in a logic needed for my questions to be answered.
I neither gave a Ya or Na to any party and I did say [FCC is as messed up as the rest of the parties in the branches of Government]from in keeping with [as the Commissioners remain as Political entities in stature] and so being [Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time].
That makes it (FCC) all messed up as the Government has been for the last few decades…
At least go back Rae and re-read my comment and answer my questions then smart self one. [do you see some major changes in policy coming to the Lifeline program short or long term now?] – [are some changes in policy (maybe not for the Low-income Americans) good is sure to turn up?]
Unfortunately, we cannot track availability down to the zip code level, Roberta. But here’s where you can find all the currently available programs. Most of the companies have a function on their websites that allow you to plug in your address or zip code to determine if they provide service in your area.
What is the point of saving $9.25 per month if your paying a $60.00 bill for internet service?? The FCC should mandate that low-income folks be allowed to pay $9.25 per month. PERIOD! Don’t get me wrong,10 bucks off the internet bill is great and all, but how does that really help low-income families to afford internet? I have been following this article for months now on cheapinternet.com, only to get disappointed to find out how this will really work.
I live in a very rural area (South Central Kentucky) and I am forced to use the local cable company, or two other major cable companies that only allow a discount if you have school aged children in the home. My child is 1 year old. My husband and I are both trying to start school in Jan. 2017. I was really banking on getting some help with this. The FCC has really let me down!
Anyone else feel the same way? My best option right now is to use my government free phone, purchase extra data every week, turn on my wifi-hotspot, and get online that way with my laptop. But hey, poor folks will stick with what is affordable and works!
It looks like there are going to be much cheaper options available as this program rolls out, Brittainy. However, in the meantime, you should check out a great program called PCs for People. If you live in an area served by the Sprint national cell network, it might solve your problems. Check it out here:
HI. How does one go about getting the Lifeline internet service. I qualify and am trying to end my Comcast contract because I cannot afford it and also because it has never worked, my billing has always been wrong and service continually. Thanks
Comcast in OR HAS INTERNET ESSENTIALS,But you can’t have their service if you have internet with them unless you get rid of their service for 90 days prior? I don’t like changing my email address, Its a big head- ache Wish they would change this policy!
I’m concerned that because my wife has lifeline cell service…we won’t qualify for lifeline broadband. Can one family have lifeline cell and broadband service?
Good question, Josh. You can only have one $9.25 discount per month per household. That $9.25 subsidy is enough for the free government cell phones to make a profit while offering the phones off free, but not enough for internet service providers to give their service away for free. So you can get (1) a free government cell phone or (2) you can get a discount on internet or (3) a discounted bundle that includes cell phone and internet. Make sense?
You’re the second reader who’s recently complained that Optimum is their only provider. Take a look at this list of all the low-income internet plans, Natalya, and pay particular attention to PCs for People. It’s a great alternative if it’s available in your area:
You can still get a free government cell phone or you can get discounted internet or you can a bundle that’s includes both. But you only get one $9.25 per month pride reduction.
Yes, great article Cheap Internet !
I take it that these listed (above) are of a Mobile Internet as through a cell’s tower network. If it’s so then – will there be a listing of Lifeline Broadband in a Fixed offering from you as well? Or added here as you update this article. Like the hardwired ones over a cable and/or copper phone lines that would use and accepts the eligible users Lifeline benefit as either full or partial payment for this hardwired broadband service of theirs. Possibly in being offered as to a bundled phone and broadband service or as a stand alone Broadband in this of a hardwired nature fixed Broadband.
The allowance for a Fixed Broadband is more than that of a Mobile Broadband in the Lifeline program, by a good amount.
The mentioning of a Lifeline benefits Port Freeze, may be helpful to those that know nothing about it, to where it locks them to an Lifeline service provider for 12 months using the Broadband in Lifeline
It might also be note worthy to include (although everyone on board with Lifeline should know already), that Only one benefit is available per household; either phone service (home or wireless) or internet (home or mobile), but not both unless as a bundled offering .
As in the Lifeline benefit can only count to one household were eligibility is met and that can be applied only once in the users choice of as you’ve stated — that will provide you with internet and/or cell/internet bundles.
This question is probable beyond your expertize and please I don’t mean it to be political but, with the new Republican Administration in January, do you see some major changes in policy coming to the Lifeline program short or long term now? I’ve read that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler hesitation to resign from FCC complicates Rosenworcel vote to be confirmed for a second term.
I’ve also read that Tom Wheeler is required by law to step down as chairman of the commission when President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20, but his term as a commissioner doesn’t end until June 2018, Tom Wheeler’s term allows him to serve until June 30, 2018, with the possibility of staying on as a holdover until December 2019.
This is then compounded and hampered as I see it, as the Commissioners remain as Political entities in stature, and then so making the FCC as messed up as the rest of the parties in the branches of Government.
I’m sorry to have asked this but, the FCC rules over and in some ways sets the many policies for the Lifeline entitlement program and then so in doing this determines the future of it.
From it’s own webpage, About FCC Overview, it states-
“An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the commission is the United States’ primary authority for communications laws, regulation and technological innovation”
Then under What We Do>Leadership, states-
“The agency is directed by five commissioners who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The president also selects one of the commissioners to serve as chairman. Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time and none can have a financial interest in any commission-related business. All commissioners, including the chairman, have five-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term.”
So I feel some changes in policy (maybe not for the Low-income Americans) good is sure to turn up. I feel although not confirmed, but, this country has been run by big business and the rich that owns them for many years now. The people have less and less of a say even though their votes are counted and a politicians wins an office.
We still don’t win as these are termed positions and the ones seated in them are of the knowledge, next election they might be there and only try to benefit their selves while in office. Not the people and this great country.
Doreen says
Wondering how to get internet for a lower rate due to fixed income. I have a life support phone but wanted to include internet and I cant afford 50.00 a month
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Virtually every service provider is now offering free or incredibly cheap internet plans, Doreen.
Henry says
Some of the lifeline service providers are still offering the plans for people who qualify. I looked over some of those in my state and they offer unlimited texts, 1000 minutes and 4.5 GB data per month. I wonder who came up with the 4.5 figure. I guess they base it on allowing an average of 0.15 GB of use per day. (or about 150 MB per day). I will some of my relatives know about getting free internet and phone service.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Visit our other site, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, for everything you need to know. Well, everything except how they came up with that number. That’s still a mystery.
Henry says
I went over to the other site and read some articles with some companies shutting down the Lifeline service earlier. It sort of reminds me of the many free dial up unlimited internet service providers (ISPs) back in the 1990s.
Most of the free cell phones are Android phones. If you want to use an iPhone, you will have to pay some to get one.
Henry says
I read an article about the 4.5 GB limit. It was made by the departing FCC chairman at the end of 2020 just before he departed. It was another increase from the previous minimum daily limit for the Lifeline program. Some of the providers balked at the new limit because the Government payment to the providers for the service has been fixed for several years (at $9.25 per monthly subscription) and offering more data would not be able to reimburse them adequately. Some of the providers said it was the FCC attempt to push them out of the Lifeline program (or force them to only offer voice and text options for free) so that the bigger players would take over more of the subscriptions. The article also noted that the number of subscriptions during the 2017 to 2020 period saw an almost 50% decline in the program’s enrollment.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You agree with our thoughts on the issue. The monthly subsidy per customer has remained the same since the program was started back in 2009. The economy was roaring from 2017-2020 and unemployment dropped to record lows, so it makes sense that the number of people who qualified for the program dropped during those years.
Teresa Hebert says
I previously had y’all as my service thru the snap program and Medicaid. My phone had gotten broken and I could not get another one without buying it and I don’t have extra money for that so my service got cut off due to none use after 30 days. I did get me a phone that is compatible with y’all but I would rather the home I internet instead. Is that an option for me. I’m n Louisiana.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You didn’t have service through us, Teresa, because we are not a service provider. This is an independent informational website.
Jawaroo says
Any options for Zip 31510? Sprint’s map says coverage is here but contacting Sprint they say the tower is 5 miles away and can’t explain why the map says there is internet coverage. I can’t find anything really affordable. Looks like all the Mobile Beacon partners and others use Sprint. Anybody use Verizon and offer low-cost internet or hotspot?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Readers? Any advice for Jabaroo?
Robin Lemons says
I live in billington, Tx and have been died to find them s lifeline Internet and keep being told its not offered at my address. I was under the assumption at least 1company had to offer it in rural areas. Is this not true?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, no. There are lots of rural areas of the United States that have no internet service. The problem is that it’s incredibly expensive to run cable. For example, a mile of cable might pass by hundreds of thousands of homes in a city, it might not even pass one home in a really rural area. Same cost of laying cable, but far less potential income.
When Catlett says
Looking for low income internet free of very cheap for seniors
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are no widespread seniors’ programs yet, When. (By the way, you have the coolest name of the week.) But you may qualify for reasons other than your age. Check out all the low-income internet plans available to find the one that fits your needs best:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pamela Post says
Thank You for the information
I live in Anchorage, Alaska 99504
Are there internet plans for my area?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the plans available in Alaska at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/states
But we feel that we should warn you that your options are limited in the Great White North.
Renee says
I receive food stamps and make a low part time income and would like to know how to apply. I live in Medford, Oregon 97501.
Thank you,
Renee Betterton
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of low-income internet plans available, Renee, and you should look at them all to figure out which ones are available in your area and which ones you are eligible for. Here’s where you can find complete info on all those plans:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Elaine Bates says
I receive snap benefits let me know if I qualify.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Each of the low income internet plans has different ways to qualify. Here’s where you can find them all and figure out if you qualify, Elaine:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
saphrey robison says
I have contacted these companies where the so called cheap internet is offered. I live in Sikeston, Missouri and all of them told me the same thing Spectrum and AT&T put all the cables in and you can only get internet service through them. and no one else. So the information you are giving out is not accurate. And the only low cost internet AT&T offers is for people who receive food stamps. And Spectrum does not offer any low cost internet service. There is no low cost internet service for seniors out there. Seniors don’t have school age children in the home most of the tome. And if a person is 65 they receive social security not SSI.so they are also disqualified. Please check your facts before you publish stuff in the future.call these companies andget the truth
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
How about if you do a little more research, Saphrey, before you shoot your freakin’ mouth off. Your comment is wrong about so many things that we’re not going to waste our time responding.
Erlinda says
Saphrey Robison I am 74 years old and I start receiving SSI (not social security ) when I turned 65. Do some research about SSI and social security.
Carol Thomas says
I’m looking foe internet foe seniors.I have a monthly social lsecurity check. Internet is so expensive here in Missouri. So I need to find one cheap .
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There is no widespread program yet available for seniors, Carol. However, there are a number of plans available and you may be eligible for one of them. Check them all out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Lynn Bullington says
thank u
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re very welcome, Lynn.
Evelin says
Im on disabilty . Where and how do i apply for free internet service?
Jean T. says
What is the difference between Lifeline Assistance and Lifeline Broadband???
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Lifeline Assistance is the “free government cell phone” program. It is a very close brother (sister?) of the Lifeline Broadband plan. Unfortunately, after initially approving the Lifeline Broadband program, the FCC has now put it on hold.
Lynnette Johnson says
I was turned down by centurylink for their low income basics program only because I have had their service for 3 years…I qualified due to low income…what can I do to help get this changed…this is rediculous…I’ve struggled for 3 years to pay the hundreds I have gave that company and they turned me down because I already have the service and am paying $40 a month???????
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s what we’d suggest, Lynnette. Take a look at all the low-income plans offered to see if you can find another one you qualify for that’s available in your area. In particular, pay attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Nancy Pennypincher says
I ran into this B.S. with CenturyLink as well, several years back. I called and they claimed that as a current customer, I didn’t qualify for the reduced rate even though I met the other qualifications, and that it was programmed into the system and they couldn’t override it. A supervisor claimed the same thing.
I told them, “Well, then, you are going to lose a long-time customer. Cancel my internet service today. I will be looking at other options and may never come back…or I may return in 90 days to get the low income rate, per your rules.” They said, “You can’t do that!” I said, “Hey, YOU wrote the rules, I’m just playing the game according to YOUR rules.” They said, “It can’t be done.” I said, “I guess we’ll find out in 90 days, won’t we?”
On the 91st day, I called and just asked to start Low Income internet Service. They entered my info into the system and said, “It’ll be on in xx hours.” I kept the service for the next five years. When they showed that I was in Month 59 of 60 and that the price would jump to their regular unaffordable price after Month 60, I cancelled just in time. I was moving anyway.
Now I live about 15 miles away, my building is served by CenturyLink as well, and I will be attempting to find out if the system is programmed to catch people who have already used up their five year max.
P.S. The documents on the website that I see in the Seattle area are messed up. They show links to two application forms that are supposed to be for different groups of states, but the forms don’t list the states and are nearly identical. They are also missing a page. And they appear to only give lease or buy options for the modem, but since I still have their modem, I don’t want to pay for a new one. So, we’ll see what happens.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Interesting story, Ms Pennypincher. Please let us know what happens. We’d be interested in hearing and so would our readers.
Carol says
when will internet plans be available in Tucson AZ
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The much-anticipated Lifeline Broadband plan has been put on hold, but there are other low-income internet plans available and you should check them out. We’re confident that at least one will help you out in Tucson:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Lori Alford says
I was talking about the Lifeline service~ if it is already implemented for phones how much harder could it be for internet access??? I believe it is ALL ABOUT THE MONEY AIN’T A DAMN THING FUNNY!!!
Lori Alford says
This service would be GREAT!!! If it ever gets off the ground. Why is there always so much hoopla when trying to help the poverty stricken portions of our country. Is it because the bottom line is how can they get paid to do the right thing. Maybe if more people had internet access they would be climbing out of poverty and contributing to the economy of the world and our future generations
Jan Sterling says
i am trying to find low cost internet only for my granddaughter who is a single parent with one small daughter and another baby due next month – because her tv is a smart tv her mom was paying for internet so she could view youtube but now her mom no longer has extra income for that so i thot if i could help – her mom was paying $50 for charter internet only and feel that is really high especially for low-income people – she lives in victorville, california so dont know what is available there for her – i have frontier fios in apple valley which is nearby but she said there is no fios in her area – all she wants is internet – no tv – so she can go online with computer and use youtube
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’ve done all the hard work, Jan, so now all you need to do is look at all the low-income plans available at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
By the way, go Inland Empire, go.
Cynthia Wysocki says
Hello! I need to find a low come internet service. I can’t afford expensive prices. I receive SNAP and disability benefits from MA. government and Social Security.
Thank you!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the high-speed, low-income internet plans at this link, Cynthia:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Teresa Trowbridge says
Thank you so much . You all helped me alot ..i want you rto know i do appreciate all you do..
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thanks, Teresa. We appreciate the fact that you appreciate it.
Penny Brooks says
Please I need help with my wifi. I have my own phone but my bill is to high I need a big discount to survive. I’m unemployed with no income coming in. I can’t pay my next wifi bill or cell which is badly needed for a job.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the plans shown on our low-income internet page, Penny.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
You can also check out all the free government cell phone plans in your state at this link:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Alexander G. Bell says
I’m here in New York City and am a Lifeline Phone user with Verizon. Their broadband prices are skyrocketing. Are there any options for Lifeline Broadband in my area? I don’t see them here on this list but maybe I missed something. Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income plans at the following link, Alexander. Each of them is available in different parts of the country and each has its own eligibility requirements. We have high hopes that you’ll be able to find at least one plan that works for you in NYC:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Bobie Johnson says
My Internet Service will be INCREASING next month from $45. to 55 per month. I am 69 yrs old, living on a fixed income, whereby EVERYTHING keeps going up, but my FIXED Income. Is there anyway you can help a Senior Citizen find discounted rates for Senior Citizens in TULSA OK? Please advise ASAP. Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet plans available at the following link, Bobbie. Not all of them will be available in Tulsa, and you won’t be eligible for most of them, but you may find some that work for you. Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Steve says
One point I forgot to mention is that the Border Wall is a double bladed sword – not only to keep some out, but to keep all in as well.
Henry says
I think the assumption is that almost nobody (those that are not illegal aliens) will want to climb over the wall to go to Mexico. Similar to the Great Wall of China, the purpose of it was to prevent the northern “barbarians” from attacking the country. The earlier portions were built during the first emperor’s reign, but the more familiar parts were built during the Ming Dynasty. The Manchus, however, got past the wall by entering through a pass that a Ming general allowed them to go through and later took over China in the 17th century.
Steve says
Hello Cheap Internet,
My question of “do you see some major changes in policy coming to the Lifeline program short or long term now?” – back dated in this same article on December 9, 2016 at 1:22 pm – two or three pages back.
Then your statement of “The new FCC Commissioner has put the whole program on hold. It’s a very messy situation. But we’ll update this story as soon as more information is available.” dated February 14, 2017 and same article this page.
WELL – not even the first 100 days has passed now and we get this – while EU improves the situation with people’s privacy step by step, the US government does the opposite. . .
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has voted to roll back some net neutrality regulations that require broadband providers to inform customers about their network management practices.
The Republican-controlled FCC on Thursday suspended the net neutrality transparency requirements for broadband providers with fewer than 250,000 subscribers. Critics called the decision anticonsumer.
The transparency rule, waived for five years in a 2-1 party-line vote Thursday, requires broadband providers to explain to customers their pricing models and fees as well as their network management practices and the impact on broadband service.
The commission had previously exempted ISPs with fewer than 100,000 subscribers, but Thursday’s decision expands the number of ISPs not required to inform customers. Only about 20 U.S. ISPs have more than 250,000 subscribers.
The five-year waiver may be moot, however. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Republicans in Congress are considering ways to scrap a large chunk of the net neutrality regulations approved by the agency just two years ago.
Small ISPs have argued the transparency rules amount to burdensome and costly regulations, while consumer advocates have argued that broadband customers have the right to know when a provider is throttling traffic. The exemption will allow small ISPs to redirect the money they spend on compliance, Pai said.
“I firmly believe that these ISPs should spend their limited capital building out better broadband to rural America, not hiring lawyers and accountants to fill out unnecessary paperwork demanded by Washington, D.C.,” he said.
However, the White House Office of Management and Budget, under former President Barack Obama, found that compliance with the transparency rules takes each broadband provider less than seven hours a year, noted Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, a Democrat. The new waiver exempts some large companies with smaller broadband subsidiaries from the transparency rules, she said.
“In an ongoing quest to dismantle basic consumer protections for broadband services, the majority has decided to exempt billion-dollar public companies from being transparent with consumers,” Clyburn added. “This represents yet another in a series of steps being taken to jettison pro-consumer initiatives.”
The commission’s two Republicans defended the change. In January, the House of Representatives passed a bill with a similar exemption in a voice vote with no dissenters, Commissioner Michael O’Rielly noted.
The vote represents a “sensible and soundly justifiable exemption for small internet service providers from unnecessary and expensive” regulations, O’Rielly said.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Note that the article sited stated that “The Republican-controlled FCC”, so I can’t help but think they are also sizing up the USAC- Lifeline program as well with it’s fat budget and revenue streams – as the cuts across all boards they’re wanting to make. It’s only time now as they learn of ways to make the cuts and focus in on the whole government support of the poor – trying to bump it back to the States which are boarderline broke anyway.
IS IT – truly a BAD Time to be POOR in the USA and a recipient of Gov. subsidies and programs. The rich has always ran this country but now they’re in controlling rolls of it as well from all points.
Pray for us.
Steve
PS: ISP limited capital heck if they cut executives big multi-Million dollar bonuses, and this is a chain action to a blanket effect just watch – “the majority has decided to exempt billion-dollar public companies from being transparent with consumers”.
guadalupe needsfreefastinternet says
There is another company for free phone service with life line program. It’s called feelsafe wireless with airvoice wireless. California and Kentucky as well as a few more other States. Company is new to me but I’m not sure I’f anyone else knows about i . So I posted it here. .
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We cover FeelSafe over at our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, which will give you all the info you need about the Lifeline Assistance program. Here’s a link that will take you directly to a page that will tell you all the service providers in your state:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
guadalupe needsfreefastinternet says
I need internet connected for cheap but spectrum assists tells me to check back in April . I need internet now. Spectrum only covers my area. Although I have seen at& t with a few if my neighbors. Anyway I’ve heard spectrum has awesome customer service so I’ll go with them. My kindergartener uses a progrom required for homework for practice and I need interent. Please no rude comments thank you. I can’t make it to the library with the kids everyday so that’s not an option I live in , Torrance , 90501 California
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet plans available at this link, Guadalupe:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Kelly Baker says
About Time!!!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Not so fast, Kelly. The new FCC Commissioner has put the whole program on hold. It’s a very messy situation. But we’ll update this story as soon as more information is available.
john suscavage says
where are the reviwes of the 22 co. offering the cheap internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We haven’t done an update because there is nothing to update, John. Nothing good, that is. The new FCC commissioner has brought the whole program to a “temporary” halt. None of our contacts at the companies are willing to comment. It’s a mess.
Debbie Miller says
How do you apply?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Click through each of the companies/plans at the following link to find the ones for which you qualify and which are also available where you live. Then use the contact info provided for each company to enroll:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Larry B. says
Last week I figured I’d consolidate my communications and ported my Straight Talk number and brought my Straight Talk phone to Safelink. Basically the same company(America Movil), same phone and same carrier(Verizon). Now the text messaging works only intermittently. 8 days and countless hours on the phone with Tracfone customer service and they seem to be unable to resolve the problem. I’m wondering if Safelink by adding unlimited texting to Tracfone creates some sort of technical gltich. Tracfone doesn’t normally offer unlimited text messages. Maybe too many layers of programming. However I’m just about fed up with Tracfone’s awful customer service.
Mark says
Mobile Lifeline Broadband: Some free government cell phone companies already offer some data with their Lifeline Assistance plans, but they primarily offer voice and texting. As of December 1, 2016, free government cell phone service providers must include at least 500 MB of Internet data usage per month. That minimum will increase to 2 GB per month by the end of 2018. Cell phone plans have also been boosted. As of December 1, all free government cell phone service providers will be required to offer unlimited voice plans. (Sorry, texters, but the FCC is not yet requiring service providers to provide unlimited texts. But we wouldn’t be at all surprised if that get included the next time the FCC reviews the program.)
chaudhary m. aslam says
Need no or low cost broadband/ wi-fi. I am on the approved list of lifeline.
Larry B says
I would like to add a tip for those who can not afford to have unlimited minutes.
If you have an Android phone and internet with a Wifi connection, you can get a Google voice number for free and download the Hangouts dialer app on your phone to make free calls to US and Canada with your Google voice number. I’ve done it and it works. And the call quality is pretty good.
You can also make Hangouts calls on 3G or LTE and you will use data from your plan. But works in a pinch.
Larry B says
Just thought I’d let you know. I logged into the safelink wireless web site yesterday. Indeed there is now the option to have “unlimited voice” along with unlimited texts and 500MB of data for $15 per month. There are also other options to buy more data which I posted below. To me $15 is reasonable to have unlimited voice minutes.
Steve says
Cheap Internet Administrator,
Steve here – very nice answer ya gave to Tanya Marshburn of her question posted on December 30, 2016 at 6:17 am.
The part stated “You must go 90 days without Comcast service to qualify.” 90 days can be easily done on PCs for People – though 90 days being the minimum subscription term and which still requires the purchase of the Hotspot device to have the Internet.
I’ve asked about the Hotspot device being able to be used on another Sprint MVNO if one wanted to, in emailing their Customer Service Manager with PCs for People back.
The answer I got was-
“Should you decide to discontinue your service with us and want to sell your modem, you actually can take the SIM card out and sell it without. The SIM card is activated by Sprint and tied to that specific device, which is tied to PCs for People’s business account with Sprint. Therefore, the device could not be used by anyone but a PCs for People customer with the SIM card that came in it because the card is locked into PCs for People’s account. If the end user wanted to purchase a new SIM card and use the device through Sprint, that is entirely possible.”
Along with more questions I had for her, I had asked her to confirm the part “If the end user wanted to purchase a new SIM card and use the device through Sprint, that is entirely possible.”
Because I had read that Sprint does not sell SIM cards only – like I’ve seen FreedomPop do which is a Sprint MVNO – I asked could we get a Sprint company officer conformation about this.
This was all done about a week before Christmas, so I told her to take her time with her return reply. As soon as I get a reply back I’ll post that information in the proper topic PCs for People.
Tanya Marshburn will be able to sell the Sprint Hotspot but, with the monthly subscription price going down the longer term that is bought and the Internet being Unlimited in usage and then mobile too. It’s just gotta blow Comcast out of her thoughts of it’s Internet Essentials program. Can’t take that internet to grandma’s house or the park to do school work.
Steve
John Freels says
I checked all you have listed to provide internet service in Arizona and not one of them do.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
That’s incorrect, John. Many of them offer service in Arizona.
Larry B says
I posted a link below to Tracfone’s FCC petition for their proposed plans for mobile broadband. I’m wondering if you had a chance to look it over?
I did notice that they had proposed 350 minutes/month but now have 500 minutes. However, they did away with the rollover plan. I liked the rollover plan because I could accumulate unused minutes. To me, the non-rollover plan encourages people to use the up minutes so they’ll likely have to “buy” more.
I wish they’d offer the option to pay for unlimited voice minutes. Would be worth the $15.
Anyway Thanks for this informational site. It’s been helpful.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
And thanks back to you, Larry. We love to help people take advantage of this program, and love to hear from the readers we’ve been able to help.
Mark Brim says
I am a resididant of OKC OK 73131, a senior looking for an affordable Wifi internet provider. Can you help?
This is my first time on this site have never posted anything before. maybe there is more Seniors looking for wifi in OKC. Not just me!!!! Bulldog
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The Lifeline Broadband plan was supposed to be up and running by now, but it’s run into some government roadblocks, Mark. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t programs that can help you. Check out all the other low-income internet plans at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Not all of them will be available in your area and you won’t be eligible for some of them, but check them all out and pay particular attention to two plans — PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They’re great options if they are available in your area.
rebecca king says
What lifeline broadband providers are available in my area. Address 699 page rd clarkrange tn 38553
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can see all the plans available in your state on this page:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/states
We’re unable to track the programs down to the local level, but if you look at our “Low-Income Internet” page you’ll be able to see a reasonably-accurate list of towns and cities. Most of the providers have a place to plug your zip code or address into a function that allows you to see if that particular plan is available where you live.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Larry B. says
I’m reading the petition that Tracfone filed with the FCC 10-31-16.
https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/1031208197814/TracFone%20-%20Petition%20for%20Designation%20as%20a%20LifeLine%20Broadband%20Provider%20sent%2010-31-16.pdf
On page 13 of the PDF file which is page 9 of the petition,
it states
“TracFone Lifeline broadband subscribers, including subscribers that reside on Tribal
lands, who wish to purchase additional voice minutes or data beyond the amounts provided
under the TracFone Lifeline broadband plan will have the following options. Each of the options will provide 30 days of service”
“$15.00 Unlimited talk and text; 500 MB data”
“$20.00 Unlimited talk and text; 1 GB data”
“$30.00 Unlimited talk and text; 4 GB data”
“$45.00 Unlimited talk and text; 10 GB data”
Tanya Marshburn says
I’m a single mom with one income and I’m struggling to pay Comcast price internet service each month. I’ve asked Comcast about internet programs for children that are home school and they have no clue what I’m talking about. It’s so unfair that some of these cable company’s don’t support low-income families and the greed to expand there business profits is more important then lives. I’m in need of a lower internet provider that can support my child home school needs. The FCC needs to really look into this situation and regulate these cable company’s on how they charge the community, and allow other cable companies not just satellite company’s; but other cable company free access to all areas. It should not be dominated by one cable company.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Next time you call in, Tanya, ask for a supervisor. It’s not uncommon for low-level service reps to be ignorant of all the ins-and-outs of the Internet Essentials program. Here’s a link to a blog post by David Cohen, the guy who runs Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, in which he explains that the program has been expanded to include homeschool students.
That being said, you still need to qualify for the program, which means at least one student in your home must qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Note that we didn’t say that student needs to participate in the school lunch program. They merely need to qualify for it.
And now we get to the bad news. If you already have a Comcast account, you will not be allowed to switch over to an Internet Essentials account. You must go 90 days without Comcast service to qualify. However, depending on where you live, there are other programs that may give you more and better service than Comcast. You can read all about them here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to two programs: PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They both deliver their internet service via Sprint’s national cell network, so if you are able to enroll with either of those programs, you can get around the Comcast problem. Good luck.
Larry B says
I read Safelink’s recent FCC petition. I’m pretty sure it said they would offer smartphone service with unlimited voice, unlimted text and 500MB of data for $15/month in my state(Massachusetts). But when I called them they said it’s only for California. No unlimited voice in MA.
Any idea what’s going on with them? Are they behind in implementing the new plans? Or am I mistaken?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We obviously can’t speak to what you may have read, Larry, but the Safelink rep told you exactly what we understand the new program to be.
Albert says
@Brittainy J. Clarkson
Right now you’re getting a free phone from the government with the possibility of also getting $9.25 a month discount off internet service and you’re complaining that the “FCC has really let me down”. Am I missing something here? Geez….
Dana says
I live in Pennsylvania area code 18707 and he cannot find a lifeline Internet access for my home. I do belong to Q link wirelesslifeline program but would like to switch to a lifeline Internet program is there one in Pennsylvania for my home?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All the free government cell phone companies are now offering internet service, Dana. Some of them do not offer much, but they all offer some. Check out all the programs to find one that works best for your needs. You can find them here:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Dana says
Need to find a low income assistance lifeline program Internet access for my home. I do have Q link wireless cell phone but I would like to even possibly change it for broadband
Karen Johnson says
Any further word…..any updates yet regarding any of these listed companies & their internet offerings, as to dates of exactly when?
I got with basic-internet.com before I ever considered applying for SNAP (I’d assumed, incorrectly, that I wouldn’t be eligible). And—though other, larger cities have more than one option for reduced income customers, in Texarkana, which is northeast Texas/southwest Arkansas, the only form of reduced cost internet comes via EveryoneOn.org referred basic-internet.com. To be very blunt—-it’s sucky(sic). I pay 32.50 per month for 5gb plus unlimited streaming, which sounds great in theory, but its actually horrid—-the streaming buffers incessantly. I’ve noticed that the beginning of a new billing period, if I hit it right, I can actually watch a movie all the way through. I have Amazon Prime at a discount otherwise I wouldn’t have it at all. I resort to downloading movies from Amazon (when I’m in the vicinity ie a local business on to my second hand 5s Iphone, and then plugging it into my tv to watch on a larger screen.
AT&T proclaims re its internet service, that it serves 21 states——-but should clarify that it serves specific areas in those 21 states. Texarkana is twin cities, and neither has AT&T’s Access Wireless. Yet, I’d never have heard of it if it weren’t for “initially” having noticed it being advertised at the bottom of Dollar General receipt
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
No definitive word yet, Karen, but we’re scouring the internet daily looking for updates. We’ll keep our readers posted.
Steve says
@Rae says – December 13, 2016 at 10:46 am
“uuuuuuhhhhhh Steve-anything else to offer?? Please drop the politics. Thanks”
I made a lot of good points – before that statement of facts, I offered knowledge that the above article hadn’t covered. I asked questions…
[I did say I was sorry to have to ask this] – maybe it was to many words then where you didn’t see that part Rae and over looked this part also [I don’t mean it to be political] – really Rae for politics to be involved requires more than I did in just stating of the facts that were required to know of the relevant information and then in a logic needed for my questions to be answered.
I neither gave a Ya or Na to any party and I did say [FCC is as messed up as the rest of the parties in the branches of Government]from in keeping with [as the Commissioners remain as Political entities in stature] and so being [Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time].
That makes it (FCC) all messed up as the Government has been for the last few decades…
At least go back Rae and re-read my comment and answer my questions then smart self one. [do you see some major changes in policy coming to the Lifeline program short or long term now?] – [are some changes in policy (maybe not for the Low-income Americans) good is sure to turn up?]
Got any quality answers Rae?
Thanks,
Steve
Roberta says
Can you tell me which company covers zip code 92625? Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, we cannot track availability down to the zip code level, Roberta. But here’s where you can find all the currently available programs. Most of the companies have a function on their websites that allow you to plug in your address or zip code to determine if they provide service in your area.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
tracy clough says
This is great my sister got Att.com/accesswireless Mac Daddy modem Wi-Fi government programs for $10 a month
Brittainy J. Clarkson says
What is the point of saving $9.25 per month if your paying a $60.00 bill for internet service?? The FCC should mandate that low-income folks be allowed to pay $9.25 per month. PERIOD! Don’t get me wrong,10 bucks off the internet bill is great and all, but how does that really help low-income families to afford internet? I have been following this article for months now on cheapinternet.com, only to get disappointed to find out how this will really work.
I live in a very rural area (South Central Kentucky) and I am forced to use the local cable company, or two other major cable companies that only allow a discount if you have school aged children in the home. My child is 1 year old. My husband and I are both trying to start school in Jan. 2017. I was really banking on getting some help with this. The FCC has really let me down!
Anyone else feel the same way? My best option right now is to use my government free phone, purchase extra data every week, turn on my wifi-hotspot, and get online that way with my laptop. But hey, poor folks will stick with what is affordable and works!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It looks like there are going to be much cheaper options available as this program rolls out, Brittainy. However, in the meantime, you should check out a great program called PCs for People. If you live in an area served by the Sprint national cell network, it might solve your problems. Check it out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Theresa says
HI. How does one go about getting the Lifeline internet service. I qualify and am trying to end my Comcast contract because I cannot afford it and also because it has never worked, my billing has always been wrong and service continually. Thanks
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Not all of these companies have posted their plans yet, Theresa, but there are other options available now. You can check them all out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Larry Lewis says
Comcast in OR HAS INTERNET ESSENTIALS,But you can’t have their service if you have internet with them unless you get rid of their service for 90 days prior? I don’t like changing my email address, Its a big head- ache Wish they would change this policy!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We agree with your point of view, Larry. It’s not just Comcast, though. All the low-income internet plans have the same policy.
Check out PCs for People. It’s a great alternative to Internet Essentials — IF the Sprint national network covers your part of Oregon.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Josh Trenge says
I’m concerned that because my wife has lifeline cell service…we won’t qualify for lifeline broadband. Can one family have lifeline cell and broadband service?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Good question, Josh. You can only have one $9.25 discount per month per household. That $9.25 subsidy is enough for the free government cell phones to make a profit while offering the phones off free, but not enough for internet service providers to give their service away for free. So you can get (1) a free government cell phone or (2) you can get a discount on internet or (3) a discounted bundle that includes cell phone and internet. Make sense?
Natalya Leytman says
When we have internet for low income seniors in Brooklyn, NY? I cannot afford to pay $60 for internet. ( Optimum is the only provider)
Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re the second reader who’s recently complained that Optimum is their only provider. Take a look at this list of all the low-income internet plans, Natalya, and pay particular attention to PCs for People. It’s a great alternative if it’s available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Rae says
uuuuuuhhhhhh Steve-anything else to offer?? Please drop the politics. Thanks
Norma jean Parkey says
Ok let me get this right. So if I have qlinks cell phone, can i also get the discounted wireless internet? and how do i apply? online or paper?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can still get a free government cell phone or you can get discounted internet or you can a bundle that’s includes both. But you only get one $9.25 per month pride reduction.
Steve says
Yes, great article Cheap Internet !
I take it that these listed (above) are of a Mobile Internet as through a cell’s tower network. If it’s so then – will there be a listing of Lifeline Broadband in a Fixed offering from you as well? Or added here as you update this article. Like the hardwired ones over a cable and/or copper phone lines that would use and accepts the eligible users Lifeline benefit as either full or partial payment for this hardwired broadband service of theirs. Possibly in being offered as to a bundled phone and broadband service or as a stand alone Broadband in this of a hardwired nature fixed Broadband.
The allowance for a Fixed Broadband is more than that of a Mobile Broadband in the Lifeline program, by a good amount.
The mentioning of a Lifeline benefits Port Freeze, may be helpful to those that know nothing about it, to where it locks them to an Lifeline service provider for 12 months using the Broadband in Lifeline
It might also be note worthy to include (although everyone on board with Lifeline should know already), that Only one benefit is available per household; either phone service (home or wireless) or internet (home or mobile), but not both unless as a bundled offering .
As in the Lifeline benefit can only count to one household were eligibility is met and that can be applied only once in the users choice of as you’ve stated — that will provide you with internet and/or cell/internet bundles.
This question is probable beyond your expertize and please I don’t mean it to be political but, with the new Republican Administration in January, do you see some major changes in policy coming to the Lifeline program short or long term now? I’ve read that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler hesitation to resign from FCC complicates Rosenworcel vote to be confirmed for a second term.
I’ve also read that Tom Wheeler is required by law to step down as chairman of the commission when President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20, but his term as a commissioner doesn’t end until June 2018, Tom Wheeler’s term allows him to serve until June 30, 2018, with the possibility of staying on as a holdover until December 2019.
This is then compounded and hampered as I see it, as the Commissioners remain as Political entities in stature, and then so making the FCC as messed up as the rest of the parties in the branches of Government.
I’m sorry to have asked this but, the FCC rules over and in some ways sets the many policies for the Lifeline entitlement program and then so in doing this determines the future of it.
From it’s own webpage, About FCC Overview, it states-
“An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the commission is the United States’ primary authority for communications laws, regulation and technological innovation”
Then under What We Do>Leadership, states-
“The agency is directed by five commissioners who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The president also selects one of the commissioners to serve as chairman. Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time and none can have a financial interest in any commission-related business. All commissioners, including the chairman, have five-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term.”
So I feel some changes in policy (maybe not for the Low-income Americans) good is sure to turn up. I feel although not confirmed, but, this country has been run by big business and the rich that owns them for many years now. The people have less and less of a say even though their votes are counted and a politicians wins an office.
We still don’t win as these are termed positions and the ones seated in them are of the knowledge, next election they might be there and only try to benefit their selves while in office. Not the people and this great country.
Thank you,
Steve
Fred Leopold says
Great Job man
Fred