Cheap Internet

Helping Americans find affordable broadband internet plans

Cheap internet
Menu
  • Home
  • Low-Income Internet
  • Other Affordable Plans
  • Plans by State
  • News
  • FAQ

Lifeline Broadband: The Internet access plan low-income Americans have been waiting for

Your selection of really cheap internet options is about to get broader. Much broader. Because the Lifeline Broadband Program will begin delivering free or very heavily-discounted internet access to millions of needy Americans beginning December 1, 2016.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Lifeline Broadband is an expansion of the wildly successful Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program. The expanded program will deliver the kind of high-speed internet service America’s neediest citizens so desperately need in this digital age PLUS more minutes, more texts, more data, and smarter phones to customers of the free government cell phone program. In fact, it would not be inaccurate to say that the entire emphasis of the Lifeline program is being changed from free government cell phones to inexpensive Internet service.

Lifeline Broadband is here

The Federal Communications Commission knows that cell phones alone can’t provide all the digital help people need in modern America. What the financially-strapped in this country need most is high-speed broadband — to help them search for jobs, find services and especially to help their kids do well in school.

Here’s what the FCC is requiring service providers to offer customers of the new Lifeline Broadband program:

You’ll be able to get 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.

Fixed Lifeline Broadband: Now there’s an entirely new category of Lifeline provider called the Lifeline Broadband Provider. Lifeline Service Providers who accept the FCC’s Lifeline subsidy are required to provide 150GB of data usage per month. (In effect, that translates to virtually unlimited usage for the average user). You’ll also receive 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speeds (roughly equivalent to the average low-priced paid plan available today).

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.)

Do you qualify for Lifeline Broadband?

Eligibility guidelines for Lifeline Internet will be identical to those for the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program. In other words, there are more ways to qualify. A lot more, in fact. Here are the two ways you can qualify:

  1. You qualify if you currently participate in Food stamps Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income or the Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit program. In addition, those on tribal lands can qualify if they are participate in Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA), Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
  2. You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (More good news: Residents of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas qualify with household incomes all the way up to 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.)

How much will Lifeline Internet cost?

No prices nor participating companies have yet been announced. But here’s what we anticipate prices will look like:

Free: A few new Lifeline Broadband Providers will figure out a way to offer high-speed broadband service for free (in other words, the $9.25 subsidy they receive per account per month will be their only source of revenue). We’re already seeing an increasing number of free government cell phone companies begin to offer free data plans to go along with their free minutes and texts.

Really inexpensive: Other enterprising entrepreneurs will work out a way to offer high-speed internet service at greatly reduced monthly rates similar to current programs such as Comcast’s Internet Essentials or PCs for People that deliver high-speed Internet to low-income consumers a mere $9.95 per month.

Inexpensive bundles: A few companies (including a few of those start-ups created just to serve this new market plus a few creative free government cell phone companies) will work out a way to bundle cell phones and broadband and make it available at crazy low prices.

Discounted: Large, entrenched Internet service providers (names like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, for example) will merely discount their standard Internet plans by $9.25 per month. (In other words, they will do what the bare minimum required of them by the new edicts and nothing more.)

CheapInternet.com will be the first to bring you more news about the Lifeline Broadband program. When prices are revealed, you’ll read them here first. When new companies spring to life, we’ll tell you about them ASAP. So keep checking back here at CheapInternet.com for more news. We will update this article as soon as prices are revealed.

Easier to apply, faster to get approved

The FCC created the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) as a weapon to crack down on fraud, waste and abuse in the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program. That same program is now being expanded to include Lifeline Broadband service, making the NLAD even more important.

When you sign up for a Lifeline Broadband, your name will immediately be checked against the database to make sure you aren’t already enrolled for a subsidized account. Wait time will be substantially decreased because the check will be performed in real-time. (Of course, that also means that you can be denied in real time if you’re trying to sign up for a fraudulent second Lifeline account.)

Where is Lifeline Broadband available?

That’s the question of the day. And no one yet knows the answer. However, we expect announcements from Lifeline Broadband companies any day now. Service is scheduled to begin December 1, so companies should begin revealing their plans very soon.

Come back to this page as often as you can, because we’ll give you a complete list of Lifeline Broadband availabilities as soon as the information is available.

Don’t forget your other cheap Internet options

In addition to the new Lifeline Broadband, a few more great low-income Internet plans are available and you should check them out.

Each of these programs is a little different than all the others (CLICK HERE to see them all). You’ll find different ways to qualify, and availability in just some regions of the country. But with a little luck, one or more of them may be available for you.

Check back frequently, because we’ll continue to update this exciting news for low-income Americans. In fact, subscribe to our news updates to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Recent Articles we’ve published on Lifeline Broadband

FCC kills Lifeline Broadband FCC backtracks, attempts to kill its own Lifeline Broadband program - The FCC has thrown its own Lifeline Broadband program, subsidized internet to America's neediest residents, into complete disarray.
lifeline broadband here 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.
lifeline broadband Major announcement: FCC introduces Lifeline Broadband - The FCC expanded the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program and it now includes internet service. In fact, the FCC is changing the whole emphasis of the Lifeline program from free government cell phones to Lifeline Broadband.
When will the Federal Communications Commission finally approve Lifeline internet? - The FCC has done a whole lot of talking about Lifeline Broadband, but has taken precious little action to make it actually happen.
Lifeline Broadband 2014 Is the FCC finally ready to announce its long-awaited Lifeline Broadband program? - It appears that the Federal Communications Commission is finally on the verge of overhauling the Lifeline Assistance program, and it is widely anticipated that one of the biggest changes will be to include Lifeline Broadband
rural america internet Why aren’t rural Americans signing up for high-speed internet? - Broadband is rapidly expanding into rural America, but the Americans who live in these out-of-the-way areas aren’t exactly knocking down the doors of telecom providers to demand the service.
Lifeline Broadband 2014 A BOLD PREDICTION: Lifeline Broadband will be here by the end of 2014 - We predict that a nationwide roll-out of Lifeline Broadband (Lifeline Internet) will be announced before the end of 2014. Plus, five other details.
FCC kills Lifeline Broadband FCC and Congress helping low income Americans get high-speed internet - FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn and Rep. Doris Matsui recently joined forces to promote affordable high speed internet service for needy Americans.
free government internet phone Coming Soon!
Free Government Internet Phones
- In the noble quest to bridge the digital divide and get all Americans online, the FCC will be soon expanding the Lifeline program to provide internet-enabled smartphones that come with a mobile internet
Is this the beginning of free government internet? - This is a pilot program that will fir the first ti,e provide low income Americans with smart phones with which they can access the internet.

Related Pages:

  • New York wants to boot cable provider Spectrum: What will happen to its low-income internet customers?New York wants to boot cable provider Spectrum: What…
  • Introducing ConnectAll: Available everywhere for almost everyoneIntroducing ConnectAll: Available everywhere for…
  • Google internet makes progress: Balloons bring internet to areas that currently get no serviceGoogle internet makes progress: Balloons bring…
  • Frontier Communications now offers low-income internet for $10 per monthFrontier Communications now offers low-income…
  • Windstream offers low-income internet for as little as $10 per monthWindstream offers low-income internet for as little…
  • Elon Musk cleans house: “At least” seven managers fired at his internet-for-everyone companyElon Musk cleans house: “At least” seven managers…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Comments

  1. connie scruggs says

    April 1, 2020 at 8:29 am

    i need internet for my laptop so can you help me.

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      April 1, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      We’re not a service provider, Connie. This is an independent informational website. Here’s where you can find all the low-income internet plans. You need to check each one carefully to find the one that its your needs best, then enroll in that plan using the contact info we provide.

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

      Reply
  2. Virginia says

    February 14, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    I have the lifeline cell phone. I have to get rid of my internet service. Will be shut off feb.22 I can no longer afford it. Will I still be able to use my smart phone?

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      February 14, 2020 at 8:28 pm

      Yes. The various Lifeline free government cell phone plans are, in general, unrelated to the low-income internet plans covered by this site. However, there are some Lifeline internet plans that you will not be eligible for. Here’s where you can find all the low-income plans including the Lifeline plans:

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

      Reply
  3. CC says

    February 8, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    yes, I have a 10.00 internet service plan. They charge 9.25 late fee. Regulated fees is 1%. Att is a rip off.

    Reply
  4. Danelle Campbell says

    November 20, 2019 at 5:45 am

    How do I get to the upload documents portal to send you one last document that’s holding me back? I’ve tried everything and I’m completely lost?
    HELP PLEASE!
    Email me at:
    ********@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      November 20, 2019 at 1:07 pm

      We can’t answer your question because we are NOT your service provider, Danelle. You need to contact that company’s customer service department directly.

      Reply
  5. EDWARD PARHAM JR says

    November 9, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    MOST SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN THE VANCOUVER, WA AREA. I’M A DISABLED SENIOR ON SSI AND SNAP. I NEED CHEAP INTERNET. CAN YOU HELP?

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      November 11, 2019 at 12:51 am

      Have you checked to find out which low-income plans are available in Vancouver? Here’s where you can check that out:

      https://www.cheapinternet.com/states

      Reply
  6. fred says

    November 4, 2019 at 1:50 pm

    Don’t bother , it’s all bull. There is no cheap internet service in new York, I know I try , 2019

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      November 4, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      We don’t know that to be true, Fred. Not doubting you, just saying that we do not know it to be true.

      Reply
  7. Nellie Carr says

    August 10, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    I need cheap internet

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      August 21, 2019 at 6:36 am

      Then you’ve come to the right website, Nellie. Just click around and you will learn everything you need to know.

      Reply
  8. Lori says

    July 22, 2019 at 4:21 am

    If I apply for this, can I keep my existing home wifi, and have it subsidized? Or do I have to change it completely?

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      July 22, 2019 at 4:54 am

      The good news is that you won’t need to make that choice. The bad news is that the government’s Lifeline Broadband plan died some time ago. However, there are other options you should consider:

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

      Reply
  9. Wendi Posey says

    May 23, 2019 at 2:09 pm

    All I am needing is cheap internet for my home, so my 14 year old can keep up with school work in WV

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      May 30, 2019 at 6:10 am

      We cannot track the availability of the various low-income plans down to the local-est of levels, Wendi, but you can check out all the plans for yourself at this link:

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

      Reply
  10. Linda says

    February 28, 2019 at 9:57 am

    Can I get this in mason Wisconsin

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      February 28, 2019 at 12:01 pm

      Unfortunately, Lifeline Broadband has fallen and it can’t get up. In other words, it no longer exits. But there are a number of other low-income internet plans that you should check out to find the one that fits your needs best. Here’s where you can find them:

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

      Reply
  11. Karla Pennington says

    February 24, 2019 at 8:53 pm

    It is now February 2019 and I don’t see any updates on free or reduced fees on Internet services for low income people that may qualify for the services. At this time is there any low income Internet services available in Port Angeles, WA? Also, several low income people may or be aware of free or reduced monthly fees. Please provide updated information. Eagerly awaiting reply.

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      February 25, 2019 at 1:29 am

      The Lifeline Broadband program appears to have died a slow, painful, politically-induced death, Karla. But we hope you qualify for one of the other low-income internet plans. Check them all out at this link:

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

      Reply
  12. GARY CLARK says

    January 10, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    NEED HIGH SPEED INTERNET

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      January 10, 2019 at 12:47 pm

      NEED TO READ WEBSITE.

      Reply
  13. Jen says

    December 29, 2018 at 6:17 pm

    So can you have a free government phone account, and a subsidized broadband hard wired internet account at the same time. The article was not clear on this. Just want to know if it is OK to have a free lifeline cell phone and subsidized internet from a broadband company at the same time.

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      December 30, 2018 at 6:05 am

      Yes, you can have both. The programs are completely unrelated, so qualifying for one does not impact your ability to qualify for the other.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 7, 2019 at 10:03 am

        OK thanks for the response. I posted this same question somewhere else on this site because I couldn’t find my original post. Just heads up. Thanks again.

        Reply
  14. Miguel says

    December 28, 2018 at 7:15 pm

    Puerto Rico is available?

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      December 29, 2018 at 6:16 am

      Low-income internet plans are few and far between in Puerto Rico, but we believe that PCs for People is still available in your area. Check it out at this link:

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

      Reply
  15. Cathy Lance says

    October 26, 2018 at 9:39 am

    I life in rural area. Who can I call to get free internet .

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      October 26, 2018 at 12:39 pm

      You bring up a problem also voiced by many of our rural readers. When you live in the boonies, it’s very difficult to find an internet service provider, even full-priced ones.

      Reply
  16. Grace says

    October 16, 2018 at 12:57 pm

    I have a AT&T landline. I started receiving help through Lifeline many years ago. Effective March 2018, AT&T no longer participants in the Lifeline program in my area of Louisiana. The letter I received did not specify the entire state. It only said “in your area.” I live in a metropolitan city.

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      October 16, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      First thing you need to do is contact AT&T customer service to verify that the announcement you received is correct. If so, there are a number of other low-income internet plans you should check out to see if any will fit your needs. Here’s a link:

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

      Reply
  17. Dan says

    October 5, 2018 at 11:06 am

    I’ve gone in circles attempting to apply for: Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program. I want ‘ Mobil lifeline Broadband 500MB internet data, voice& text (since I don’t have electricity) IS THERE A PH # TO ASK A HUMAN HOW TO APPLY ? I’m not stupid, or lazy, as you can tell by my ability to articulate. I’m 59, not a computer whiz, I almost had a heart attack trying to navigate the computer. And no, there is no one that I can go to for help. I just need what is lacking; the PRECISE directions for how to apply. THANK YOU P.S. my ph.will be cut off sunday
    I will have no way to apply, except some other way that is most likely more stressfull.

    Reply
  18. Vanessa Romo says

    September 17, 2018 at 12:36 pm

    I am on SSI & receive SNAP. Do I qualify for lifeline home internet in my area? And could you please tell me what company covers my area.
    My zipcode is 72556. Thank u.

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      September 17, 2018 at 4:57 pm

      You can get the answers to all your questions by visiting EveryoneOn.org. Just plug in your zip code and you’ll find the answers.

      Reply
  19. Tara yancheski says

    September 14, 2018 at 2:24 am

    I want the intermet

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      September 14, 2018 at 3:43 am

      Then you should apply for the internet.

      Reply
  20. Rita Dahnert says

    August 22, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    I’m on SSDI. Do I qualify for low income internet? How do I go about getting signed up?

    Reply
    • CheapInternet.com Administrator says

      August 22, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      There are a number of low-income internet plans available, Rita, and you can they each have different ways of qualifying. Check them all out at this link:

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

      Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Sign up for our Free Newsletter

Search this site

Read our latest blog posts

ConnectAll Internet

Introducing ConnectAll: Available everywhere for almost everyone

Free internet coming your way: How low-income Americans will benefit from Sprint’s $40 billion merger with T-Mobile

san francisco low income internet

1500 down, 1600 to go: San Francisco bringing free, high-speed Internet to 3100 low-income families

Sptectrum raises prices

Spectrum increases monthly price of Internet Assist from $14.99 to $17.99

Bernie Sanders Internet for All

Bernie Sanders says internet is a basic human right, wants affordable plans for everyone

senior citizen internet

Internet Essentials expands again: Now available to all low-income Americans, the disabled, and seniors on Medicaid

SpaceX Internet

Elon Musk cleans house: “At least” seven managers fired at his internet-for-everyone company

Project Loon

Google internet makes progress: Balloons bring internet to areas that currently get no service

Charter Communications

New York wants to boot cable provider Spectrum: What will happen to its low-income internet customers?

As predicted: CenturyLink screws poor Americans, ends Internet Basics program

Keep Up with CheapInternet.com News

  • You can keep up with the CheapInternet.com news. Just visit our news page:
  • News & Blog
  • But don't miss a thing! We'll send you news as it is published. Just CLICK HERE, enter your email address, and then respond to the confirmation email in your inbox. If it's not there, check your spam folder.

More Information

  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Cheap computers
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright 2019 CheapInternet.com. | FAQ | Help | Privacy Policy | Contact