Experts say California is the 11th most connected state and is home to 102 different broadband providers. Nevertheless, there are 69,000 people in California with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 38.4 million Californians, 1.6 million who have access to just one wired provider. Of course, that means 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). Of that total, 782,000 depend on fixed wireless or mobile broadband providers and are, therefore, stuck with low data caps.
Other states have higher percentages of poverty, but California’s population is so immense that the raw numbers of people living in poverty are staggering. The overall poverty rate is 16.8 million. The child poverty rate is 24%. The senior poverty rate is 16%. And the extreme poverty rate is a monstrous 7.3%.
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
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- Access from AT&T
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- CenturyLink’s Internet Basics
- Frontier Communications
- BrightHouse Networks
- Cox Low-Income Internet
- SuddenLink
- EveryoneOn
- Mediacom
- 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
- 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.
Who: Nexus
Where: Ohio, New Jersey, Nevada, Mississippi, Michigan, Louisiana, Iowa and California
Budget: $2,800,000
Contact: 877-870-9444
Nexus and Connect Ohio investigated the impact of various subsidies and digital literacy on rates of broadband adoption. Subscribers were given $15, $20 or zero subsidies (depending on their home zip codes) on a variety of plans differentiated by usage limits. Nexus expected the results to demonstrate (1) subscribers’ willingness to pay for data limit increases and (2) to determine if subscribers were satisfied with the choices they made.
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.”
According to ArsTecnica, California “Public entities are generally allowed to provide communications services, but ‘Community Service Districts’ may not if any private entity is willing to do so.”
There are a number of California cities (Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Burbank, for example) that have built fiber optic networks exclusively for businesses located in those towns, but we are aware of only one California city that has extended those services to residences.
Provider: City of Vernon
Website: cityofvernon.org/departments/gas-and-electric
Phone: 323-583-8811
Services Offered: (unknown)
Area Served: Vernon
Vernon is one of the nation’s oddest cities. It is home to over 1,800 businesses that employ 50,000 people from surrounding communities. But the population is only 112 in 31 existing households. Several years ago the city built a robust fiber optic broadband network to serve those businesses, but has now opened the network to those 31 existing and any future residences.
Albert Borghetti says
Where can I get free cell phone and service. I’m unemployed and soon to be homeless because of COVID.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Just click around this website, Albert. It will tell you everything you need to know.
Paul Middleman says
I have resently movied han have no internet… I am a student im over 63 years old . Im also on ssi and ssdi / retirement and / disability very fixed income .. and can’t find a provider.. please help… I live in zip code 95457
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It looks like you may live in a very rural area, Paul. So you may be right that none of the service providers serve your area. Find out for sure by going to EveryoneOn.org and plugging in your zip code.
MyChelle says
I’m a 46 year old with limited mobility. (chair/walker) I receive SSI & live 12 miles outside of town on property owned by my IHSS care provider. The onlyimyetnet provider offering internet service in my area (95634-9723) is Hughesnet. My provider has Direct TV in his trailer and the Internet provided by them also comes from Hughesnet.
Is Hughesnet a sub-company carried under any of the low income Internet providers, or vise-versa?) Or as there any other options available to me?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
MyChelle
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, MyChelle, but HughesNet does not offer a low-income internet plan. Check out ALL the low-income internet plans to find out which one fits your needs best:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to PCs for People. It’s a great option if it’s available in your area.
hoan says
I live in Oakland, CA, 94606. When do I have a low income internet.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Have you checked all the companies listed in the article on this page, Hoan?
larry says
where can I get senior low income internet service in La Mesa,CA 91942
larry says
how long before I get an answer
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Holy freakin’ moly, Larry. You left your first message at 12:00. Then you left your second message eight minutes later. Did we not respond fast enough?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the plans on this page, Larry, to find the one that fits your needs best.
cconsuelo chaneco says
can I apply for high speed internet
Luisa says
I am a low income senior in the 50% category by the state of CA. My income is a little of $30,000 a year.
I started with ATT for $14.95, then $24.55. My last bill said the cost will now be $50.55. After making calls to ATT they said $31.
I can’t go over the $24. I have tried most of you suggestions on this web site but I don’t qualify. Right now it looks like I simply will have to do without internet.
Do you have some suggestion.?
Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Have you tried ALL the options listed on this page, Luisa? Make sure you try PCs for People and 4GCommunity before you give up.
Amanda says
I’m my apartment complex and a large amount of this complex is strictly low income housing we have charter spectrum but they are charging $50.00 a month for service to those who are on the low income housing here. I’ve called and found out no other company can service this place except Charter Spectrum. Actually they said the only other one that can come in is Frontier who happens to be a worse service provider. So obviously who would switch? At the rates I’m paying for just to have Wi-Fi service it comes out to more than my actual rent does for 1 year. I can’t see paying that much money for service.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of low-income internet plans available, Amanda. Check them all out at this link to find out which ones your parents are eligible for and which ones are available where they live:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Bill says
Watsonville, CA, just north of Monterey, CA provides Muni-Wi-Fi.
james skidmore says
Sound good to me ineed computer to learn and send email to my brother back east I am ln a nursing home n rebs center I am 75 n disable l have real bad lungs n heart trouble. Live in calif. Thanks
John Millhollon-Turner says
Do you provide services in Bermuda Dunes, California?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We don’t, because we are not an internet service provider. This is an independent informational website that is not affiliated with any of those service providers. However, here’s an article that tells you everything you need to know about the various low-income internet service providers. You can check them all out to find out which ones offer service in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Betty says
Please lmk what low income internet provider for low income disabled & senior citazens will let me stream movies to my tv?
In addition to heavy internet use.
Thank you.
Betty Bradley
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
These plans are not designed for heavy internet users/movie streamers/gamers, Betty. They are basic plans designed to provide basic internet for low-income Americans. They don’t advertise it, but some of the plans offer unlimited internet, but severely throttle down the speed after some basic level of usage is reached (sometimes as little as one gig, sometimes as high as three gigs). To quote the illustrious Mick Jagger, “you can’t always get what you want.”
Sandra Palmer says
Betty NO ONE CARES ABOUT US, SENIORS! They help CHILDREN,
but WE should just sit in a corner and wait quietly for the end. And yet WE
are human too. We did our duty, raised our kids without hand outs and survived. Apparently we survived too long.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Don’t despair, Sandra. You don’t need children for the plans from AT&T, PCs for People and 4GCommnity. You can find them all here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Betty L Bradley says
Im a senior citazen resident of Long Beach, ca. A few months ago at&t had a very large poster on the window of a local busines located less than 1/16th of a mile from my apt.(possibly much closer than that!
This poster read “go to http://www.att.com/affordable” for low income internet.”
When i contacted att via phone. Their rep said that they dont provide internet svc in my area!
I feel they are deliberately being deceitful in order too coerce comsumers like me into purchasing their expensive bundling plan.
Why would they have a advertising poster up for close to a year in my area.
Plus a former neighbor in my building told me that they had att tv programs, internet & phone plan.
And was giving me a suggestion to get it too!
Im literally exhausted by unsuccessful internet searches in hopes of finding a reputable internet provider that has a low income plan that i may use.
Im constantly using the internet for practically every aspect of my daily living. ( using my metro pcs phone)
This month my son purchased a new roku tv for me.
He knows i feel life would be so much better when i am able to stream movies.
>connecting my metro pcs hot spot to my roku tv i was only able to stream one and a half showtime movies before using the entire gigabits allowed in my hot spot.
Please can you help an old lady out and lmk what low income plan services my area near dwn town LB that i can stream movies about 8 hours per day, nearly every day?
Please??
Thank you & God bless you for this. very informative very; Which i wish i had found a year ago!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re unable to track the low-income plans’ availability down to the zip code level, Betty. You’re on the right page, because all your options are listed in the article above. All you can do is contact the companies that show California availability to ask if their low-income plans are available in your area. There are only a handful of them, so it shouldn’t be that difficult.
But we can tell you right now that these plans are built for basic needs and we doubt that any of them will allow you to download multiple movies.
Jenn Garden says
I get angry when I see letters like Betty, unlike health care which I feel should be a right and NOT a privilege, a private internet connection is a WANT not a need. If one does not have an internet connection at home, ALL libraries have internet connection either through wifi you can access for free or through their computers if you don’t have your own. Also there are many senior centers that have that also and as a person who lives in Torrance, I know that Long Beach, CA has both as well as many commercial businesses with free wifi, they even have it in Target with places to sit. She does NOT have to watch streaming movies she can get regular antenna programs if she can’t afford cable or satellite TV, if she has a VCR some libraries still have VHS tapes if not, she can still probably get a DVD player and borrow them from the library, if she wants something more recent, there is redbox which is fairly inexpensive. IF her son can afford to buy her a Roku TV he can help pay for part or all of her internet connection, (and perhaps she should do something a little more useful with her life than watching movies 8 hours a day) maybe reading so she can improve her spelling and grammar. As for not being able to survive without internet, as a person who spends WAAY too much time on the internet that I pay for on my own (and I am on Medi-cal,) I get mine through Spectrum for $15, I lived for over 40 years without the internet and as a senior she probably did too and it’s NOT essential for survival.
I am by no means a hard hearted conservative but rather, am a bleeding heart liberal, but instead of appreciating what the state is providing I resent people feeling that they are “entitled” to things that go way beyond serving one’s basic needs. The fact that the admin. here has this website shows that he/she/they are compassionate kind people but a screed was written once on here in a reply to a person wondering why you get picking on CA as to how terrible CA is and sounded like the rantings of a very right wing Republican (like a Trump supporter) or maybe just a libertarian, do you or if this is a different person than who writes for the lifeline cellphones site, have a column or blog as to why you started this site, please include the link or maybe if not, could you write about it, thanks.
C says
Jenn you are right when it comes to using the internet only for entertainment but times are changing and many seniors are going to live independently using the internet. Alexa has helped many disabled seniors. Although I don’t have Alexa I think it would be great as I get older to and have a harder time getting around. Imagine being able to lock and unlock your door from bed!
~Lori~ says
I am appalled to have my first visit to this site turned sour by a nasty, obviously envious Jenn; who makes no sense but heartlessly judges another human being for asking for help? WTH gave you Jenn, license to dismiss Betty’s fuiduciary needs based on a gift from a son? Betty, I assume like I, also, lives alone. Has she in this earthly journey now lost her right to choose her own daily activities? God forbid Betty for having a son who even visits. I have raised alone 4 daughters. I have lived alone 15+ years, I’m disabled in HUD housing, lost my dachshund companion a month ago, have been living on income that doesn’t afford me to be a “run about town” and my adult children do not visit. I don’t have a TV, oh! my Jenn…I’m seeking low cost internet as it is my social, educational & newsworthy activity. I greatly enjoy after all my at home activities force me to stop as I am living with consistent pain back & cancer related. Identity theft, fraud plus much more the last half year. Yes, I was graciously given a COLA in January. Yet, my food budget is equal to my Broadband Expense. I don’t miss people these days, I like being alone as to avoid those like you, Jenn. Please burn your bra, go chain yourself to a tree, live off the land eating fruits and nuts. You certainly represent liberal character material to take the stand for “NO INTERNET for LOW INCOME”. Thanks for the California golden attitude, is it any wonder that many from Southern Cali now reside in far northeastern Cali due to warm folks such as yourself. Father Bless Betty!!! Jenn, I hope you are tossed to sea in the next earthquake never to journey that mouthy attitude on land again.
Lord Come Quickly,
~Lori~
PS Forgive my selfishness in seeking lower monthly costs
Linda Kendall says
I am a low income senior with my daughter and her toddler child whom have no income at all.
I have tried seeing if the above if the above Hi Speed internet companies but it seems none of them service my actual address.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Did you check out PCs for People, Linda? It’s available anywhere covered by the Sprint national cell network.
Gloria Connolly says
Looking for internet assistance program for children in school on the SNAP program… Free lunch. I’m in Redwood Valley, Ca 95470..
I have Dish network.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Dish does not offer any low-income programs, Gloria. But you can check out all the programs that are available and see which ones you qualify for here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Tracie-Anne Opie says
Hi my name is Tracie and I’m a mother of four on government assistance and I’m an onsite manager in exchange for rent in my apartment building. I’m having a hard time finding an affordable provider in Adelanto ca, because I live in the rural “old Adelanto”. Please help me find my way around so i can get some reduced rate internet. I desperately need it for my job. I’ve been paying too much for these prepaid phone data packages. Please help me. Thank you have a blessed night
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
As a rule of thumb, the more rural you are, the more difficult it is to find internet service, Tracie. But that’s probably not news to you because you’re experiencing it firsthand. Please check out all the programs shown on on “Low-Income Internet” page. Here’s a link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
If nothing else works, take a closer look at PCs for People. It’s available anywhere within Sprint’s national cell network.
Luisa De Marino says
too much information – difficult to understand – don’t have knowledge to know or how to choose
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
C’mon, Luisa, you can do it just like thousands of others have. Give it a try.
Steve says
@cindy renea sloan June 5, 2016
@lisa mc laughlin August 4, 2016
Or anyone in Sprint’s Network Coverage area in California.
Come over to PCs For People page and read about the service, ask questions. Consider this Unlimited Mobile Broadband Internet Service.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/pcs-for-people/comment-page-2#comment-85393
Steve
lisa mc laughlin says
I signed up and qualified for access just to find out they didn’t service my area.Does anyone know what companies service Torrance ca 90502 area?
cindy renea sloan says
Yes I have a 14 year old son Dade he has Aspergers Autism he is just starting HBHS we have never had a computer we do borrow my mothers when we can and we have never had the internet unfortunately I had a terrible accident were a wall came down on me it has been 5 years going through the case . I was dades best buddy we went skateboarding n bike ridding playing catch at the park and walks with our dog hudson I am 85% bed ridden I have had to surgeries which the doctor messed them up 1 of them was a partial knee cap replacement he failed 2 times I still have at least 3 surgeries ahead of me my hip back and other knee I was sereously hurt I was a manager for a hardware store for 12years we are on hud and in the school lunch program the school internet service he has to use after school which he goes tohe is gone from 7 in the morning to 430 in the late afternoon so he can graduate . I no it will be a lot hareder for him in high school.Dade is a very good young man and has worked so hard because of no computer or internet he has also been bullied since 3 grade it is very sad because he does not want to get in a fight or he does not want to be called names.Dade is my sunshine he is what makes me fight for my life because I could not even imagine me not beeing there to protect him we had work com state dis and am waiting for ever for social security disability so we have had to go on welfare hopefully not for long I no I have always been able to support us now we barely get by it would help dade in his school work and homework and use the school loop don’t no were to go ty cindy
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You seem to have a great attitude for someone who’s suffered such a string of bad luck, Cindy. Way to go!
You’re on the right page. Check out all the programs listed on this page. It sounds as if you qualify, so contact each of them to find a program that works best for you. Good luck.
Lisa says
how I get the low internet? Could you give me the phone #? My mom is in the low income housing, she had SSI, but she paid her rent so she doesn’t has anything left, I help her but I don’t have much either, please help for the low internet her phone at home she paid $7.25, but she only call local .
Jen says
Are there dsl options for low income people in ca. Living outside the cable service area with no home hardline phone service? Are there any low income t.v. providers in that same situation?
Alan Kellogg says
Which Nexus are you talking about?
debbie rawlings says
How do I get a free phone can you send me the phone number or web site
Aidee Sandoval says
How do I apply for this internet?
randy downey says
can some body tell me what plan is cheaper than time warder plan iam in los angeles i get check on first and third let me know please
Cliff Pineda says
I live at **** Van Ness Ave **** Fresno CA 93721 I’m a senior and live in low income housing I receive SSI could you please tell me which network can hook me up to low income WIFI Internet my building use to offer a weak free WI-FI To all the residents living here but it no longer does please help Thankyou
Sharon says
Which CHEAP internet do i Qualify for ????? I get the internet (dial-up) through AOL.com .it started at $9 and now its jacked up to $15 …I am legally blind and on SSI … I have a rickity old computer with xp and cant afford the operating system upgrades ($130) … I want to get the free cell phone through lifeline and quit ATT as they also have more than doubled my bill .. If i quit ATT lifeline I will need internet without a LANDLINE ….who do I CALL ?????
Lori says
Check out PCs for people they have the affordable connectivity program you can get free internet until the program ends after that it is only $15 you can also get $100 credit towards a device. You do not have to have a landline phone if you get the portable internet device.
Melissa Jimenez says
Is there a program in Los Angeles , Ca.? Sons falling behind on homework Need some internet asap..
Thank u
ila thompson says
is there any programs for riverside California
Stephanie says
Brighthouse network needs to broaden their service area 5 miles north of arvin
ROBERT says
I HAD VERIZON WAS PAYING 45 FONE &NET DID NOT GET BILL 2MONTHS OR LESS WENT TO 342.00 NOW NO TV [NETFLIX] AND FONE
Jerry says
Wow Lots of Info on the “Cheap Internet Service” Do any of the mobile ceii’s have camera’s?
I need a WI-Fi Capable Cell phone Basically so if I needed help I might be able to reach out and get some help, Its trick back it locks up for an hour to 3 day’s! My service provider has a tendency to crash and all communication is dead, until the Glitch is fixed!
The mobile Cell would be a work a-round the boundry line, with no traspassing by Congress, back when phones were cranked to get some one!Thanks for your time: Jerbear!