Experts say Arkansas is the 45th most connected state, but they also cite some other shocking statistics:
There are 40,000 people in Arkansas without any access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 2.96 million Arkansas residents, 639,000 people in Arkansas that have access to only one wired provider. Of course, that means that ISP (internet service provider) can old them hostage, raise rates, or alter the terms and conditions of their contract. Because those people have no competitive options). 167,000 more depend on fixed wireless or mobile broadband with low data caps for their home internet connection.
TalkPoverty.org reports that the state’s poverty rate is 19.7%. Even worse, the child poverty rate is 29%, the senior poverty rate is 14% and the extreme poverty rate is 8.3%. Overall, the state ranks an embarrassing 48th in overall poverty rate.
But fear not, because CheapInternet.com knows a number of ways you can get high-speed broadband internet access at prices far cheaper than you ever imagined possible.
Low-Income Internet Options
Here is the internet’s most complete list of companies and organizations that offer low-income Americans low-cost, high-speed internet access. And when we say low-cost, we’re talking about plans whose prices range from free to $14.95 per month for broadband internet. Different companies offer different prices, different types of Internet (i.e., cable, DSL or mobile), and different ways to qualify, so check them all out to see which low-income program is right for you. Click on any of the programs below to see full details on what they offer.
- ConnectAll
- Access from AT&T
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Cox Low-Income Internet
- Windstream
- SuddenLink
- PC’s for People
- Coming soon: Lifeline Broadband
Other Low-cost Internet Options
What if you want to sign up for a cheap internet plan, but don’t qualify under the rules of the plans shown above? Or what if none of those plans are offered in your area? Luck may still be on your side, because there are other low-cost plans available for you if you know where to look. And at CheapInternet.com, we know where to look. Here’s a brief review of other low-cost options that may be available in your area. Click on any of them to find out more.
- 4G Community
- Karma
- FreedomPop Mobile Internet
- FreedomPop Home Internet
- NetZero DSL
- NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband
Lifeline Broadband Pilot Programs
The Lifeline Assistance program, which offers free government cell phones to low-income Americans, has helped millions of needy Americans. The program has been so successful that the Federal Communications Commission decided to investigate the possibility of creating a similar program called Lifeline Internet or Lifeline Broadband.
Fourteen cable companies and service organizations were selected by the FCC to test pilot programs in various regions around the country. The pilot programs looked into the impact of various pricing plans, discounts, and equipment.
We expect the FCC to announce the results of the pilot programs and perhaps even announce the introduction of an official Lifeline Broadband (or Lifeline Internet) program before the end of 2014. Although you can no longer sign up nor participate in these programs, you may be interested in seeing what the future of free internet may look like in your state.
Unfortunately, no Lifeline Broadband Pilot Programs are being conducted in Arkansas.
Municipal Broadband Networks
Wikipedia defines a Municipal Broadband Network (often called Community Broadband Network) like this: “Municipal broadband deployments are broadband Internet access services provided either fully or partially by local governments.[1] Common connection technologies include unlicensed wireless (Wi-Fi, wireless mesh networks), licensed wireless (such as WiMAX), and fiber-optic. Although many cities previously deployed Wi-Fi based solutions, municipal fiber-to-the-home networks are becoming more prominent because of increased demand for modern audio and video applications.”
Twenty states have passed laws inhibiting or even prohibiting municipalities from operating their own broadband networks. Unfortunately, Arkansas is one of those states. According to arstechnica.com, the Arkansas law says, “Only municipalities that operate electric utilities may provide communications services, but they aren’t allowed to provide ‘basic local exchange service,’ i.e. traditional phone service.”
Unfortunately, that means no municipal broadband programs are currently operating in Arkansas.
Erin says
I live in an area where there are 2 companys…..thwy do not offer low incomw or disabled seniors discounts…area codw 72065
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Looks to us like PCs for People is the only organization that offers serine in your area.
Christine kelly Fillingham says
I am looking for high speed unlimited Internet for ****** *********, manfield, AR. 72944. Contact me via cell. 479-629-****
Josh Cravey
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Take a look at our “Low-Income Internet” page which details all the plans available. Check them all out to make sure you find one for which you qualify and which is available in your area. There is no “unlimited” internet, but some of the programs offer so many gigs that it might as well be unlimited:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Divya yadav says
Hi , I am looking for DSL/broadband for low income collegeg student in arkansas
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There is no widely-available program for students yet, Divya. A couple pilot programs are currently underway, but they have no been concluded nor rolled out nationwide. Until then you’ll need to qualify the same way anyone else qualifies. Here’s a page that lists all the low-income programs. Check them all out to find out if you qualify for any of them and if any of them are available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
jesse says
What is wrong with Arkansas? To have internet where I live you must have phone service to have dsl and the dsl is as slow as dial up in most cases and the charge is over 70.00 a month.that is before another 20.00 for charges for who knows.o they are giving me a 5.00 a month discount for slow internet until they install fiber optic lines someday in the far off future.