Cheap Internet

Helping Americans find affordable broadband internet plans

Cheap internet
Menu

Low-Income Internet Service Providers

Cheap broadband internet plans have been created by public-private partnerships, to bring high-speed, wireless internet access to those on government assistance or who are low-income.

There are several major, “competing” low-income internet service programs designed for financially-struggling Americans – Comcast’s Internet Essentials, CenturyLink’s Internet Basics, and Cox and Bright House Networks’ low income internet plans. In addition, Connect2Compete’s site may help in finding low-income internet service, although it is best suited for finding training.

If you qualify, these low-income internet service providers can help you get online, with broadband internet speeds for a very, very low monthly rate and no contract hassles.

“I was laid off a few months ago so money’s tight around our house,” said Larry J of Fort Pierce, Florida. “This low cost internet plan is going to make it easier for me to find another job.”
“My kids are falling behind in school because we can’t afford expensive internet access,” said Muriel S of Bend, Oregon. “Affordable broadband is going to be a lifesaver.”
“Affordable internet is the best idea since … well … it may be the best idea ever,” said Bruce C of Costa Mesa, California. “Why didn’t anyone think of this before?”

That’s where these programs come in. If you’re in financial distress, you’ll probably qualify for one of these low-income internet plans in your area.

The prices are the same for all these services, but there some differences in what each program offers consumers and in the eligibility requirements. Make sure you check to determine which programs are available where you live.

Major Programs

Access from AT&T

AT&T, America’s first communications conglomerate, is now offering high-speed Internet service to low-income Americans for just $5 per month. No, that’s not a typo. If you meet the eligibility standards and you live in an area served by AT&T, you can now get high-speed Internet service for a mere $5 per month.

The plan is called Access from AT&T. And it may be the best low-cost Internet plan available, and…. [click to continue]

Internet Essentials

Comcast, the cable TV giant, is the biggest player in the low-income internet assistance business with a program called Internet Essentials. This is very good news.

If you live in areas of the country served by Comcast and if you qualify, you can now get Internet Essentials for just $9.95 per month instead of the $40–60 the company charges for its lowest cost basic plan. Despite the low price, you’ll get blazing fast 5.0 Mbps download speed, the option to purchase a computer for $150, plus a series of extras such as… [click to continue]

Cox Low-Income Internet

Cox Communications is one of the nation’s largest cable companies, with millions of subscribers. While they don’t trumpet their program as loudly as Comcast does theirs, and their coverage across the country isn’t as extensive, their low-income program has much broader eligibility rules.

Cox’s low-income internet plan will give you unlimited cable internet at broadband speeds of 5 Mbps download, no contract or extra fees, and the option to purchase a computer for $150. It’s available to Americans who… [click to continue]

Spectrum Internet Assist: Low-Income Internet

Former rivals Charter Communications, Time-Warner Cable and Bright House Networks have joined forces. That’s great news for America’s neediest citizens because the new company, now renamed Spectrum, is introducing a brand new high-speed Internet plan for low-income Americans. If you qualify, the service will cost just $14.99 per month. Spectrum has promised that this great service will be available in 38 states — everywhere the three companies currently offer service — by mid-2017…[click to continue]

PCs for People — Unlimited and Nationwide

It’s fast. It’s cheap. And it’s available to a lot more low-income people than any other program. We think you’ll love it as much as we do. Instead of being severely geographically-limited like Internet Basics or Internet Essentials, PCs for People is available virtually nationwide (anywhere the Sprint network is available). Instead of being a program sponsored by huge corporations that really don’t want to devote significant resources to it, cheap Internet for low-income Americans is the raison d’être behind PCs for People… [click to continue]

Internet Basics

CenturyLink’s Internet Basics is exactly what so many families and individuals need to help them search for and apply for jobs, to follow up on job applications, to find medical care and communicate with their doctors, to help their kids with their homework, and to help them with so many other tasks that can only be done on the internet.

CenturyLink’s Internet Basics costs just $9.95 per month for qualifying low-income families. You’ll also be eligible to receive a personal computer for just $150 and… [click to continue]

Mediacom Low-Income Internet

In 23 states, Connect2Compete partner Mediacom offers high-speed internet service for just $9.95 to families who are struggling with low household income.

Their internet plan provides a 1.5 Mbps speed cable connection, and an option to be able to purchase a computer for as low as $162 and a tablet for as low as $142. Eligibility requires… [click to continue]

Bright House Networks Low-Income Internet

Bright House Networks is the sixth largest cable company, with about 2.5 million customers. Under the Connect2Compete banner, they offer internet service to people who could otherwise not afford it.

Bright House’s low-income internet plan provides unlimited cable internet at speeds of a minimum of 1 Mbps download. While that’s not exactly super fast, it’s certainly fast enough for $9.95. And there are no contracts or extra charges. Additionally, they offer an option to purchase a computer for $150. Availability is… [click to continue]

Suddenlink Economy Internet

Suddenlink, a company of Altice, offers unlimited high-speed internet to people with a child in the School Lunch program and to seniors on SSI. They serve in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The program is… [click to continue]

Cablevision Economy Internet

Cablevision, now a company of Altice, offers unlimited high-speed internet to people with a child in the School Lunch program and to seniors on SSI. They serve the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The program is… [click to continue]

Eagle Communications

Eagle Communications is a small media conglomerate (well, small when compared to cable giants like AT&T and Comcast Communications) that owns and operates 59 cable systems in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado (plus 28 radio stations in the same states). It is now offering a $9.95 per month Internet plan for qualifying residents of those states … [click to continue]

Midco

Midco is the first company we have found that is advertising discounted Internet service as part of the new Lifeline Broadband program. The price? Just $9.95 per month for high-speed Internet. Available in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin… [click to continue]

Connect2Compete

Many of the nation’s largest internet service companies are working with Connect2Compete to bring low-cost, high-speed internet service to low-income Americans. The Connect2Compete organization hooks up Americans with various companies that will provide high-speed internet access for under $15 a month, usually under $10. In addition, they can help you find a low-cost computer and free computer and internet training… [click to continue]

The following programs are national, or have a big push behind them either by industry, government and non-profit, than do those smaller or regional programs in the next section.

Lifeline Broadband

Beginning on December 1, 2016, you’ll be able to get free-to-inexpensive Lifeline Broadband in two flavors: fixed broadband (cable or DSL) or mobile (on your phone or tablet). You’ll be able to choose which is more important to you: a fixed high-speed broadband connection in your home, or free smartphone service with unlimited minutes that comes with a modest amount of internet usage… [click to continue]

Senior Internet Service

Through no fault of their own, many seniors can’t afford even the most necessary of things, like a broadband internet connection. Yes, being connected to the internet is necessary in today’s world.

So many needy seniors have contacted us asking about asking why the government and various companies seemingly help everyone but them. Just where is cheap internet for seniors… [click to continue]

Other Programs

Here we list programs that are smaller than those national programs listed above.

School2Home

School2Home has set an ambitious goal: To give computers to more than 500 low-performing middle schools and 400,000 students across California. It’s a pilot program started in Southern California’s Los Angeles and Riverside county school districts and has now expanded to Northern California’s Oakland Unified School District. In the future… [click to continue]

Interconnection (WA only)

Interconnection now offers needy Washingtonians a variety of low-priced services: High speed mobile internet for just $8 per month or internet service only for $10 per month, plus a laptop computer for just $149… [click to continue]

Don’t Qualify?

If you don’t find that you are eligible for any of these low-income internet plans, either by income level or by participation in a government assistance program, take a look at the other affordable internet plans we have found.

 

Need help understanding what’s available for you? Read our help page.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. I am 100% disabled and do not work I am a customer of Cox Cable and they are unwilling to help me in anyway and my cable bill is $157 a month and I have no movie channels just Cable Plus and Internet is there anything that I can do to lower my Internet and cable bill. Kindest regards

    Reply

    • Simple, Melissa. Check out all the plans listed on this page, find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company.

      Reply

  2. i would like to get some cheap internet service at my apartment in Daytona Beach Florida
    I am a single mother and would like to get a laptop once I can get some money saved up or rent one with the internet bundle if its possible my eleven year old son is doing good in school he made honor roll and in need of a computer at home

    Reply

    • You need to check out all the service providers listed on this page, Stacy, to find the ones that offer plans in your area. Then enroll with those companies.

      Reply

  3. Iam interested in affordable internet services my husband has had multiple surgeries and I need to use my laptop to keep up with his progress as well as talk to the doctor

    Reply

    • Check out each of the low-income internet plans listed on this page, Marian. We hope you can find one that fits your needs.

      Reply

  4. My fiancé recently quit her job to take care of her brother who has down’s syndrome and lives with us. She just recently qualified for SNAP and her brother receives SSI. I work but only make 40k to support three people. She can no longer work since her brother needs round the clock care.

    Would we qualify for any of these programs?

    Reply

    • First of all, you’re on the right page, Jason. Just go through each of the plans described here to determine which ones you qualify for. Pay particular attention to PCs for People. Sounds like you probably qualify, but the question is whether it’s available where you live. Check them all out to find the one that fits your needs best.

      Reply

  5. HELLO MY NAME IS MARY K, JUAREZ , IM LOOKING FOR SOME REASNABLE INTER NET SERVICE, SO IM ABLETO PAY BILLS ON LINE .I DONT WANT TV. JUST THE INTERNET SO COULD SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME A CHANCE .I LIVE IN A APARTMENT .AT THE PRAIRE RANCH APT. HOMES.HERE ARE THERE ARE CERTAIN PROVIDES THAT THIS APT. COMPLEX .DEAL WITH SO PLEASE CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE ONE OF THE PROVIDES..THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS MAY 21 2019.

    Reply

  6. I am disabled with mental health issues I get SSI and SSDI. I have direct TV now but they don’t have internet access here. I’m wanting satellite internet with Wi-Fi capability.

    Reply

    • You can find and review all the low-income internet plans available right here on this page to find the one that fits your needs best.

      Reply

        • You’re on the right page, Lillie. All the low-income Internet plans are listed right here on this page. Check them all out to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll with that plan using the contact info we provide.

          Reply

  7. I livw in lewiston idaho is there any help for internet there? paying 40 pluss dollars a month for a single dad of four with a 20 hour a week job is a nogo but my kids need it for school projects.

    Reply

    • We made sure each service provider on this page comes with a pretty complete list of cities and towns in which they provide service. It’s not 100% accurate, but it will give you a pretty good indication.

      Reply

  8. Cheap Internet dot com,

    Thank for hosting and publishing this page. I found this site in a web search. I didn’t know that such services existed. Thank you for the website and info. Keep doing what you’re doing.

    Reply

    • There’s no way for us to know if you qualify because we know nothing about you, Diane. However, we explain in great detail what it takes to qualify for each of the plans listed on this page. Check them all out.

      Reply

  11. Hello and Hi,This is Nar Maya Tiwari who has been facing the problem,due to to low incomes in the families.My two children are student and getting free lunch from the district office of Ohio fairfield 45014.I am a single worker having the families with two children and one disable husband.To Pay House Rents,Car Loan,Insurance both car and apartment is too difficult.To run families is too difficult to Pay utilities Bills,Water,Buying foods,clothes for children,and their educational activities in the school.So,I Like to get chepest internet Assistances very soon.IF will not get this services for me ?Please give me perfect information very soon. My Phone number is 513 237 ****.

    Reply

    • You need to read through this website to get the information you need, Nar. It will tell you everything we know AND it’s impossible for us to summarize thousands of pages of information into one response to your comment.

      Reply

  12. Hello and Hi,This Is Nar Maya Tiwari,who is present residing in 5109 Pleasant Ave #404 Fairfield ohio 45014.I like to get low incomes Internet very soon.Because,I am only working in the Family.To pay House rent and other utilities bill are also too more difficult for me.We are four in Family and Two Children and we both Husband and wife.My Daughter is a student of Creek Size Middle School.in Fairfield Ohio,45014.And my Son Pujan is Studying in Grade 1 in the weast Elementary School Fair field Ohio 45014.Parsina is in Grade 7 and Pujan is grade 1.Both Pujan and Parsina Tiwari are getting Free Lunchfrom the District School.And my Husband is totally disable who has been not working since the year of 2011 to at this present.My husband has been getting SSI As per my incomes.and medicated.So,please try to give me the chances to safe somethings regarding the low incomes and my children my incomes isAssistances Programs very soon.So,please Give me chances to breeth my life me and my incomes doesnot help us to ru families.So,Please help us to provide this ASSISTANCE INTERNET INSPECTRUM PROGRAM VERY SOON.If you would like to ogliged my highly obligedful thank.Thank You .

    Reply

    • You need to check out all the plans shown on this page, Nar, to determine which ones are available in your area. Then you can enroll with the company of your choice (if you have more than one possibility) using the contact info we provide for each of those companies. Good luck.

      Reply

    • Check out all the service providers on this page to find out which one fits your needs best. Then use the contact info we provide to contact that company’s customer service team.

      Reply

  15. i HAVE BEEN DENIED LIFELINE BECUASE OF A BUNDLE POLICY PER SUPERVISOR AT CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.

    Reply

    • Click on each of the service providers listed in the article above to find the one that fits your needs best. Then use the contact info we provide to speak to customer service.

      Reply