There are 16,000 people in Florida with absolutely no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 19.6 million Floridians, one million have access to only 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). Another 179,000 Floridians depend on fixed wireless or mobile broadband for their home connections.
The state’s latest poverty statistics are staggering. Its poverty rate is 17%. It’s child poverty rate is 25%. Its senior poverty rate is 14%. And its extreme poverty rate is 7.6%. All those numbers are tragic.
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.
Lower-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
- Windstream
- Frontier Communications
- BrightHouse Networks
- Cox Low-Income Internet
- 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 that may be available in your area.
- 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: TracFone and Technology Goes Home
Where: Wisconsin, Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland and Florida
Budget: $915,000
Contact: 617-635-2822 (Technology Goes Home); 800-867-7183 (TracFone)
TracFone’s pilot program offers differing combinations of free or discounted hardware combined with service at a cost of $10 or $20 per month. The purpose of this TracFone and Technology Goes Home pilot program was to test low-income customers’ sensitivity to upfront and ongoing prices. By comparing two different offers, TracFone was expected to estimate the adoption and success of each offer.
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 ArsTechnica.com, Florida “Imposes special tax on municipal telecommunications service and a profitability requirement that makes it difficult to approve capital-intensive communications projects.”
Nevertheless, several cities have managed to establish municipal networks for the benefit of their citizens:
Provider: Gainesville Regional Utilities
Website: gru.com
Phone: 352-334-3434
Services Offered: Data
Area Served: Gainesville
GATOR NET, Gainesville’s only digital, all-fiber-optic network, is available in dozens of apartment communities and neighborhoods around town. It offers the fastest Internet options in Gainesville.
Provider: NetQuincy
Website: myquincy.net
Phone: 850-875-7354.
Services Offered: Voice, Data, Video
Area Served: Quincy and surrounding areas
This municipal network brings fiber-to-the-home of each of the town’s 7,965 residents (just north of Tallahassee).
Provider: Ocala Utility Services
Website: ocalafl.org/us
Phone: 352-629-2489
Services Offered: Business Services, Data
Area Served: Ocala
Ocala provides a comprehensive network of fiber optics throughout the city but the service is currently restricted to businesses and public buildings only. The city has no immediate plans to expand to residential service, but a representative told us to “check back with our website for services that may be offered in the future.”
Provider: Palm Coast FiberNET
Website: PalmCoastGov.com/fibernet
Phone: 386-986-2360
Services Offered: Data, Voice, Business Services
Area Served: Palm Coast
The FiberNET fiber optic network covers 50 miles of major roadways in Palm Coast and already connects city facilities, Flagler Schools, and more than two dozen businesses. Fiber is currently available along Palm Coast Parkway, Belle Terre Parkway, in Town Center and along the U.S. 1 corridor. As FiberNET continues to expand, the city hopes to add municipal wi-fi spots at parks and other public facilities and to use the network for traffic and emergency management.
Nicole Davis says
I live off of Dunnellon road and citrus ave in citrus county Florida I have applied for the new program ebb which takes off 50 a month with my cheapest spectrum it still comes out to over 100 A month I tried century link after a few months same thing .. What options are available for households with 3 children 4 adults and a income of 749 a month?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s impossible for us to track each program to the local zip code area, but here’s where you can find a list of all the programs available in your state:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/states
L.W. says
What about Jacksonville, FL? I didn’t read anything for us nor for Duval County. Thanks.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
These are just rough guides we provide, LW, so you can do your homework and contact customer service at any of the companies to find out if they cover your area. We’re confident that at least one plan will fit your needs.
xfinity sarasota says
Thank you alot for providing insight on the internet connections available out there. It helped me a big time. 🙂
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Always happy to help.
Ellie Saffer says
Do you serve south Fla?? If so give me tele #….I live in a low income housing communty..It is 62yrs plus and I need internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
“We” don’t serve anywhere, Ellie, because this is an independent informational website. Check out the plans available on this page to figure out if any of them are available in your area.
INES C VILLA DE VEGA says
PLEASE HELP ME TO GET AN INTERNET CHEAP FOR ME,{
THANKS
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ve come to the right website, Ines, but it’s up to you to read the information we present and select a low-income internet service provider. Here’s a link to our Low-Income Internet page that will tell you about all the plans currently available:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
SANDRA QUALIANO says
HI WHY CANT WE GET HELP HERE I AM 78 AND HAVE TO PAY 61.28 A MONTH FOR INTERNET SERVICES AND I DO GET FOOD STAMPS AS I AM ON LOW INCOME..
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Why do you say you can’t get help, Sandra? Have you checked out all the plans shown in the article on this page?
Dorothy Yackley says
Do veterans get free cell phones?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
They do not get cell phones simply because they are veterans, Dorothy. But they may qualify for other reasons. Here’s an article that tells you about all the various low-income plans and how you qualify. Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They are great options if they are available where you live:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
jessica says
hi im sorry I need some help . trying to get the $10 internet for low income families.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here you go, Jessica. Check out all the plans at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Lynn says
Almost all the low cost plans involve providers not in my area of Florida or involve using the Sprint network. Paid PCs for people upfront because that is how it’s done and neither hotspot they sent would connect to the internet despite being in a strong Sprint 4G data area. Sprint can’t figure it out, as I am 2.5 miles from the tower and should be getting a strong signal. I don’t even get a strong signal outside! Two different brand hotspots wouldn’t keep a signal. So now I am out the money I paid and still have no service!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We think PCs for People is a great organization, but no one is perfect, Lynn. Have you discussed this problem with the company’s customer service team? If not, you should.
Michael Welch says
How about Clearwater area? Desperately need internet ,low incomr
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s impossible for us to track this down to the local level, and even if we could the person on one side of the street may have different service than the person across the street. So you need to do a little homework, Michael. Here’s where you can find all the low-income internet plans and some reasonably accurate indications of where they are available:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
bobby b stanfill says
I live in Broward county Florida. I have no income or money. I am interested in free internet service. Will you provide me with more information?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, Bobby, but there is no free internet program. All the low-income internet plans are very inexpensive, but not free. You can read about all of them at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
james says
i am 100 percent vetren oltm 75 years old live in port orange can i get low cost internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can check all the low-income internet programs at the following link. You’ll need to go through them all carefully to find out which ones you qualify for and which ones are available in your area. Good luck, James.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
timothy seeley says
what low income internet is avable in blounstown fl
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re going to have to do your homework with the info we’ve provided, Timothy. Go through all the options on this page.
Ronna says
I am not able to afford to have Comcast due to increase in fees. I am a senior & live on Disability income & income does not support me.Renting.. Is there a cheap way to get internet only in Sarasota Florida? I need to work from home. Will soon be without service.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Do you qualify for food stamps, Ronna? If so, you probably qualify for the AT&T Access program. If not, you should also check out PCs for People and 4GCommunity. You can see these and all the other low-income plans at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
kim says
I live in palm coast florida my zip code is 32164. Can you tell me what is available in my area. Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s a handy summary that tells you which plans are available in each state:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/states
Patricia says
Help, I am confused. What access or help may I find in zip code 33908?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are unable to track availability down to the zip code level, Patricia. But you have your list of all the service providers in Florida (found in the above article). Now what you need to do is call each service provider’s customer service team to find out if their service is available in your area.
You can also check each service provider’s website because many of them offer the ability to plug in your zip code to find out immediately if the service is available in your area.
Ed says
Who subsidizes these low cost options
It is far less than the actual costs
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
In many cases, the companies (such as Comcast and CenturyLink) agreed to subsidize the cost in order to get approvals for mergers and acquisitions. In cases such as PCs for People, the organization is simply an effort on the part of individuals who wanted to provide inexpensive options. But no matter what the reasons, the resulting plans are terrific for low-income consumers.
Qiana evans says
Looking for free and low cost internet service for my father who is on Social Security and also receives food stamps and who cannot afford to pay a higher monthly bill for internet. Are there any programs in our area ZIP code 32119 South Daytona Beach
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are unable to determine availability of the various plans down to a zip code level. However, here’s a list of all the low-income plans for you to compare and see if they’re available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
CHERIE SERJEANT says
I live the area code 33703. St Petersburg, Fl. I have to have the internet in order to make a little money now and then. After I pay my bills, I have very little money left. I am struggling To pay just a $40 internet bill every month. I am 58 years old and on SSI. My provider is Bright house. It is very slow and I get very frustrated with it. I do not understand all the computer terms. I do not know how much data I need or what type of speed I need. My computer freezes up a lot. I have 3 emails. I do surveys that involves video sometimes. I occasionally play games n watch a movie. I store photos, recipes and important documents. Please help me
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s impossible for us to tell you which programs are available on a zip code-by-zip code basis, Cherie. But there is surely a cheap Internet plan for you out there.
First, click the “Low Income Internet” link at the top of this page. It has a chart that shows each program on a state-by-state basis.
After you know which programs are available in your state, click on each of those plans to see if one of them works for you.
Here are a couple articles about our favorite programs:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/att-access-offers-5-dollar-high-speed-internet-to-low-income-families
https://www.cheapinternet.com/att-access-offers-5-dollar-high-speed-internet-to-low-income-families
Good luck. We know how tough it is trying to survive without Internet access.
Beeb in FL says
If you are seeking low cost internet go to the top of the page to “STATES” and check your state to see what this web-blog has found for your areas.
This is an information web-site to help you find what you are looking for regarding low cost internet and cell phone or the government lifeline free phones for low income citizens.
Good Luck in your searches! 🙂
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Thanks, Beeb.
Myra Goddard says
Just wrote you a long note, and went to send it, but was notified the page had expired. I am a senior, 87 years old. Only income is SS, and a small pension of $80.63 mo.Comcast internet is killing me. I get extra help from Medicare. Can you halp me find a cheaper internet. I do not have cable – use outside antenna, do not drive, use county service for shopping and dr. appts. Please help. TIA
randy horn says
do you offer service in zip code area 33322. please advise.
melissa says
I live in Tampa, fl is there low cost or free internet I could qualify for?
David Smith says
I have recently qualified for a government phone due to the fact i am on food stamps.
I got rid of my Att phone but keep my internet. Now they want to go from $31 to 59 a month which I can not afford. I have a seasonal job that runs from May to October @ $8.05 an hour whick will disqualify me from all of this for that time. I can buy additional minuetes for my phone but want to know what I can do about my internet. I am 68 and disableed and living on SS .