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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.

 

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Comments

  1. Are recipients if a lifeline phone allowed to have a lifeline internet plan as well? At the same time? They don’t have to chose one over the other, do they?

    Reply

  3. I am in need of WiFi, especially when my cellphone or service is on the fritz(e.g., damaged/lost currently activated phone, disconnected service due to non-payment of bill.)
    I’m also in need of phone service, too, either cellular, or home phone.
    It’d be nice to own another Android smartphone, since the ones I have all need repairs, but not necessary, as long as my cellphone is compatible with the prospective service provider’s network.
    I’d love the opportunity to purchase another laptop or even a tablet(possibly, refurbished, reconditioned) at a discounted rate or via payment installments.($150.00 isn’t much for a computer, but I’m on an extremely fixed income!)
    I currently live in California, but might be relocating soon.
    Where can I find a good bundle deal on WiFi and phone service?
    And, what happens if the company I decide on has a contract condition that binds me to 12 months, but I relocate to another state?

    Reply

    • You can get a limited amount of WiFi for free from any of the free government cell phone providers. You can read about all those plans over at our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. And you can get a lot of WiFi almost for free from a number of low-income internet service providers described on this page.

      You can transfer your low-income internet service to your new state IF (a big IF) your service provider also offers service in that state. However, if you sign a one-year contract and your service provider does not offer service in the new state, you will still be obligated to make your payments through the end of that 12-month period.

      Reply

  4. I receive social security and disability but I am only 51. So I am on a fixed income with no credit. Are their any programs I can qualify for in my area?

    Reply

    • Check out PCs for People in the article above. It’s a great option if it’s available in your area.

      Reply

  5. How do i get internet service for low income in a rural area that at&t wont service and most cable companies dont either? I cant afford satellite or dish At&t wont even provide me with a home phone. All of my neighbors that are within 5 acre parcels all have at&t wireless internet but this house 300 feet away :cant be provided for. I have no phone, no cable, no internet and ive been suffering from not having access to internet.i cant afford dish . I got young school aged children who need it too.

    Reply

    • Many rural residents share your problem, Athena. There is no solution that we are aware of.

      Reply

  6. First and foremost these requirements for certain companies is completely missing the meaning in low income families like spectrum, second you guys have terrible customer service in the way you speak to people, and three what exactly is your job? to just point in a direction to go?

    Reply

    • Our job is to provide information that can help low-income Americans find inexpensive internet options. That’s it. Nothing more.

      Reply

    • Hello I’m a customer with Time Warner/Spectrum for 13 years and I’m a senior and receiving SSS. I applied for the new service since my old service provided me with 3Mbps and the new service provides 30Mbps. I was told at that I could not apply for it, I would have to disconnect for 31 day then apply. I called back to make sure I could apply and was told that this service was not available in my location. I don’t think that is right! Sir please give me some insight on this matter. P.S This service applies to me, I know it.

      Reply

      • There’s no way for us to know what the specific circumstances are, Timothy, so we can’t answer your question. Call Spectrum again and ask to speak to a supervisor and ask that person to explain. You may get a completely different answer. You can also check all the other low-income internet service providers listed on this page to see if any of them offer service in your area.

        Reply

    • We can’t answer your quesiton because we do not know what “my husband does and has balance” means.

      Reply

      • We also cannot answer your question because we don’t know enough about you or which program you want to enroll with. Each program has different qualification requirements.

        Reply

  9. You must work for Cox. Cox denied me a low income plan. Your page is so pro-Cox that it must suck to be you, If my credit card for high-dollar service had not gone out of date, I never would have figured it out. When I asked for an adjustment, they were unresponsive, When I asked for a final bill, they were unresponsive. When they upped the bill by almost 50% more, they admittedly and willfully put bad information on my credit report. ATT qualified me and set me up for $5.00 a month instantly. Attorney General of Arkansas acted impotently. Booooo Cox!

    Reply

  10. Looking for internet and phone service a disable person. Who really need internet to use hi medical devices. He is a recovery two time Stroke patient. Contact me at 832-598-****. Thank you.

    Reply

    • We cannot contact you due to the volume of questions and comments we receive each day, Everett. But we can tell you than none of the low-income internet plans include phone service. So here’s what you do. Check out all the low-income internet plans at this link to find the one that fits your friend’s needs best:

      https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet

      Then go over to our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, to find him a free government cell phone. Here’s a quick link to that site:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net

      The low-income internet plans and the free government cell phone plans are completed unrelated and there’s no problem enrolling in both programs simultaneously (if you qualify).

      Reply

  11. Hi on the laptops do we pay all at once or payments. Please let me know cause I can’t afford it unless they except $20.00 a month, I’m disable and on SSI. Please send me an email. Thank you

    Reply

  13. Your site is no help at all if you can’t tell what’s available in my county of residence (Rabun County, Georgia) and who to call here.

    Reply

    • Really, Travis? Must we also come over to your house and cook your dinner and cut it up into little pieces and make airplane noises while we feed you? Grow up, boy. Act like a man and take care of yourself. Show a little initiative. Contact the people listed on the page (using the freakin’ phone numbers and/or websites we’ve provided for each service provider) and stop leaving “I’m so helpless” comments on public websites.

      We apologize to our rational readers for this outburst. But sometimes we just can’t take the lazy, good-for-nothing attitudes expressed in some readers’ comments.

      Reply

      • Not to criticize the original comment, but what can be gleaned from any website depends on the programming parameters put forth by the website developer. For many websites that I have encountered, the search options and FAQ information is seriously lacking and I could never find the answer to what I was searching for. What the original comment was looking for is apparently something that works like at the Sprint Internet service company website where you can plug in a street address and zip code and receive back a response if the service is available at that specific address. This website was not designed to do such search work. You need to access other internet search websites that scour for all companies for your specific address.

        As for calling, this site does not offer an assistance hotline, only a mailing address and sending an online message.

        Reply

      • Lol really i cannot believe the audacity of some of these people on here! Whoa! Talk about inconsiderate, oblivious, greedy, selfish, thoughtless… i really shouldn’t be writing this, but far too often people seem to think they’re “entitled to” . . . Which is mind blowing! Nevertheless, i want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to your page because if it wasnt for the advertising and coming across THIS website I wouldn’t have been able to get my grandmother internet service. (We went with Internet Essentials, we reside in the Sacramento/Elk Grove, CA area., and btw if anyone is is deciding who to go with, i highly recommend the internet essentials program [comcast/xfinity] if they offer services in your area. They are AWESOME I applied for my Gma and less than 8 days later we were good to go!!) anyways, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the incredible amount of resources and detail that goes into this website. You guys are f**king awesome and i appreciate your work more than you could ever know! Thanks again!!

        Reply

  14. 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. It is not working for everyone.

    Altice customer services rejected about this program even though you are qualified for it. I don’t think Altice helps the poor and wants to push their responsible to other provider as Cablevision or Optiumum. They are ONE instead to trick the people

    Reply

  15. Would I have to pay full price for the $150 computer? Is there payment plans? Is the price included in the $5/$10 data plan til it’s paid off?

    Reply

  16. I live in a small town where there is no cable, and pretty much nothing. I raise 2 of my grandkids and they are on snap and free lunch BUT every provider denies me

    Reply

    • Wow. We actually didn’t know there were any towns left that didn’t get cable. Check out PCs for People on this page. It is cell phone-based and may help you out of your jam.

      Reply

  17. I’m on permanent disability and I don’t qualify for food stamps (my income is too high). I’ve gone through the list and I don’t see any internet services I’m eligible for because I can’t get SNAP, I don’t have kids so I can’t get a family type program and I don’t want a home phone line that comes bundled with some internet services. Any suggestions?

    Reply