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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]

ConnectAll

ConnectAll is available in fifty states plus Washington, DC and there are a number of ways to low-income Americans to qualify. One quick warning: ConnectAll will cost you a bit more upfront, but after an initial payment of $122.00, ongoing service (including unlimited data usage with no data throttling) will cost you just $11.99 per month… [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 $17.99 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]

Frontier Communications

It takes a little math to figure out how the price gets down to just $10 per month, but that’s the bottom line with Frontier’s low-income Lifeline internet plan. Frontier offers this special low-income internet deals in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin… [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]

Windstream offers low-income internet for as little as $10 per month

We’ve tracked down another cable TV company that’s offering an affordable internet plan to low-income Americans who reside in the 18 states where Windstream offers residential service. That includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas… [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]

Simply Internet by Wave

Simply Internet by Wave is a great program, BUT it’s only available to low-income residents of certain Seattle neighborhoods. It gives you unlimited high-speed internet for $9.95/month (for speeds up to 10 Mbps) plus tax. There are no credit checks, contracts or equipment rental fees. Free installation and in-home Wi-Fi. No credit checks, contracts or equipment rental fees required. Refurbished laptops available for purchase… [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]

Hawaiian Telecom offers cheap internet for low-income Hawaiians

This isn’t one of the big low-income internet plans that covers dozens of states, but it’s everything you need if you live in Hawaii. HawaiianTel’s Internet Kokua plan offers steep discounts on internet service for any Hawaiian resident who meets certain qualifications. … [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. Kristie Lynn Stroud says

    I need low income with fi services in my area and I cant seem go find anyone in the 38920 zip code.. can you assist me plz

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      We can direct you to our “States” page which lists all the service providers in your state and a rough guide to the cities they serve. We also provide you with the contact info so you can check with the service providers to see if they serve your area specifically:

      https://www.cheapinternet.com/states

      Reply

  2. Jorge Arteaga says

    I am trying to see how my parents can get internet access. They are seniors who have a low income and they live in a rural area of Ventura County, California, in which the only option so far has been Satellite Internet which is very expensive.

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      Unfortunately, there are no low-income internet options available via satellite. But at least they live in a beautiful area of the country.

      Reply

  3. Kasey says

    I live in a rural area, no cable internet. I need cheap internet for my child that’s in school. Ive seen where they are offering free or cheap internet with the Corona virus going on. I am having issues finding one that’s satellite.

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      Unfortunately, Kasey, your problem is very common among rural residents. We are unaware of any low-income satellite-based internet plans.

      Reply

  4. Reese says

    Need low income internet, wireless, have tablet, laptop. I live off grid, but need internet to sell farm products. Is there a inexpensive plan. I have cell phone with limited data. My better half and I have medical
    Issues that prevent us from getting employment other than scrapping a meager survival from our land and hunting/gathering. We have Alaska State sponsored Denali Care, but apparently a quadruple bypass and 8% functional liver don’t qualify us for SSDI.

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      We don’t know where you live, but since (1) It’s Alaska, and (2) you say you live “off the grid” we assume you’re in a very rural area. That makes it tough to get any internet service. You can find all the low-income plans available in your state at this link:

      https://www.cheapinternet.com/states

      But that doesn’t mean those services are available everywhere in the state. Go over them all, call customer service for each company and find out if they offer service in your area. Good luck, Reese. We hope you can find a plan that works for you.

      Reply

  5. Vint says

    I came to this site four years after not being able to afford TWC any longer. What I found with much help from seasoned searchers and the cheap internet folks was PCs4People. The upfront cost for the hot spot and 3 months of internet took us a while to gather up. Once we received the hot spot and turned it on we had internet at 1/3 the cost of Big Cable. Mobile broad band isn’t perfect, sometimes not very fast but after 4 years I can say that my family is satisfied. Thanks to PCs4P and cheap internet .com for the help they provide.

    Reply

  6. DeAnna Fettig says

    I live on farm 13 miles from town. The local phone company only offers dial up service through their phone lines unless you get a satellite dish installed which Icant afford, plus their cheapest internet plan is over $50.00 a month. Is there any program out there that can help me get internet service. I have to use my prepaid cell phone internet and since I only have a government cell phone, it lacks many of the abilities the high end smartphones offer so am unable to do some of the things via email and such that is required for my job.

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      It’s impossible for us to tell you which of the programs listed on this page might cover your area. You’ll need to check with each of the companies listed to find out if they cover your area.

      But you can upgrade your current free government cell phone by switching to a new free government cell phone service provider. The new service provider will provide you with a smart phone.

      Reply

  7. Bonnie says

    I am in Atlantic Iowa and im on SSI and i am on the safelink phone program not sure how much longer i will be with them having trouble with them i dont have interenet and would really like to see if i could get low cost internet in my home dont have any kids in school have a son that lives with me

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      You need to do a little homework to help yourself, Bonnie. Check out all the companies listed on this page to find out which plans are available where you live. We list all the towns and states on each company’s page.

      Reply

  10. Allison Sweezy says

    I need cheap internet 🙌🙌 living from paycheck to paycheck just got into a place after struggling to get a place please help out!

    Reply

  11. Katherine mireles says

    I. Need. Cheap internet. For. My. Grand daughter. For . School. I. Can. Not. Afford. That. High price others. Charge. We. Have to go. To. Library. For. Wifi. To. Help. With. School. Work

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      It’s a relatively simple process, Katherine. Check out all the providers on this page to find the plan that fits your needs best. Then use the contact info we provide to enroll in the plan you choose.

      Reply

  12. Guillermo says

    What “exactly” is the type of information and income requirements required to qualify for the “Access AT&T” program.

    Reply

  13. Larry says

    The latest promotional mail I received from Charter Spectrum, shows the price of Internet Assist will be increasing from $14.99 to $17.99.after 11/12/2019. Not sure if this means you will be paying the old rate if you sign up before 11/12 but I doubt it. Probably going up for everyone. While it’s only a $4 difference, it’s more than a 25% jump. I wonder if Spectrum will now start randomly increasing prices every few months like they do when you’re a retail customer?

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      Can you send us a copy of that announcement, Larry? This is the first time we’ve heard about that announcement.

      Reply

      • Larry says

        I only have a promotional letter I received in the mail. Is there away I could email you a scanned copy of the document?

        Reply

          • Larry says

            I emailed a scan of the Spectrum ad last week. I hope you received it.

            Today I received another piece of mail from Spectrum. It appears the price of Internet Assist has increased to $17.99 since the old price is not on the new mailing.

            Over the last couple months they’ve been sending frequent marketing ads (almost weekly) for Internet Essentials.It’s always different fancy cards and letters. I hope this isn’t a ploy to get customers on then start increasing prices for low income customers all the time. I remember a time when Senior Basic was $10 a month. They gradually increased the price until it was almost as much as everyone else was paying and then dropped the program entirely. .

        • Deborah Furr says

          I am looking for internet and home phone service for people on disability with very low income and no upfront fee for instation

          Reply

          • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

            This is the page that lists them all, Deborah. Now you need to click through each of them to find the one that fits your needs best and which ones are available in your area.

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      We are unable to track availability down to the neighborhood level, Terri. But click on each of the service providers on this page to find out the areas in which they are available.

      Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      You need to check each service provider to see if they offer service in your area, Wanda. We provide a pretty accurate list of cities served for each provider.

      Reply

  18. Larry says

    Comcast expanded their Internet Essentials Program this week. Have you heard if Charter Spectrum plans to do the same?

    Reply

  19. Lewis Shinsky says

    Im trying to find cheaper internet and phone service outside of at&t service I live in burt Michigan and my son likes to play video games and other things on the internet please help

    Reply

    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      All the help you need is right here on this page, Lewis. Check out the companies on this page to find the plan that fits your needs best.

      Reply