Idaho is known for its potatoes, but as the 40th most connected state, it’s not known for its connectivity — despite the fact that 90 broadband providers do business in the state.
There are 32,000 people in Idaho with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 1.6 million Idahoans, 245,000 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). Approximately 122,000 Idaho residents are handicapped by low data caps because they are dependent on fixed wireless or mobile broadband for their home internet service.
Like most states in today’s difficult economy, Idaho’s poverty statistics are dreadful. The overall poverty rate is 15.6%. The child poverty rate is 21%. The senior poverty rate is 10%. And the extreme poverty rate is 6.5%.
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
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Cox Low-Income Internet
- EveryoneOn
- SuddenLink
- Frontier Communications
- 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.
Unfortunately, none of the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline Broadband Pilot Projects were conducted in Idaho.
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.”
At this time there is only one municipal broadband provider in Idaho offering residential service:
Provider: City of Ammon
Website: http://b.ci.ammon.id.us/fiber-optic/
Phone: 208-612-4054
Services Offered: Data
Area Served: Ammon
In addition to supporting the City’s network, the excess capacity of Ammon’s open high-speed infrastructure is available to service providers, businesses, and residents.
Steve says
I need fiber connection and haven’t been able to find when it’s available in my location via city of ammon fiber optic.
Bud Wood says
Which plans are available in the Boise, Idaho area and which of those is
most highly recommended ?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All the cities are listed on each service provider’s page.
HeySunShine says
I’ve read and heard for quite some time now there will be free to low cost internet for low income and no income residents and disabled persons on limited income (insulting what they have to live on and pay healthcare). I’m pocatello. Tell me what is your definition of “low cost” internet? Now with covid a person has to have some internet’s in-order to do anything! Luckily it’s not so bad right now. However, imagine individuals with mental illness due to trauma., living below poverty level zero income, have suddenly been isolated for months. No internet. Only have a digital converter box and antenna for tv. Can’t go to therapy, can’t go to the store can’t visit friends or family online. Don’t have data on their phones or may not have a phone at all. Imagine the scale of mental trauma has built up because there has been no outlet. Our children and our most poor seniors included, our mental health residents should’ve been the first to receive free internet. But no just a bunch families and kids. The offer for low cost internet was made available. I researched it. One company after months finally emerging with an excellent price. But only 3 megs not unlimited high speed. Internet significantly slows after hitting their maximum. (Insulting) the worst part was/is. Internet not including renting the equipment and getting it installed $40 a month. Then add on fees taxes equipment installation pay off installation. It came out to almost $70 a month. That was low income!!!
The words “low income” are used to loosely. I truly do NOT think anyone cares about those less fortunate. Or understand what that means. I’m one of those people who were deceived into thinking internet may be possible. But when I saw what I get for $70 a month!! It still angers me. $70 a month is 3/4 of my monthly budget. Safe link I believe was the lowest rate I could find for low income. Since when is $70 a small amount of money. Couch change to most. $70 in my pocket at one time is rare.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re pretty gloomy for someone who uses the screen name HeySunShine. Did you read the article on this page? There are numerous options available in Idaho at damn low prices. Of course, it depends on where you live, but most people in the state have good choices in low-income internet.
Jenny Sharp says
I love nearby Weiser and can get only hughesnet. Highest is not very good( very crappy). It is also very expensive. I would like to get another internet provider. Is there a way I can get off hughesnet??
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, Jenny, but there are no satellite-based low-income internet programs that we are aware of. This is a problem faced my many rural Americans.
kimberly zook janecek says
im a 58 year old disabled woman navy veteraqn living in a section 8 low income apartment oak park village boise Idaho the apt has eminitiy7 of 5 computers in clubhouse no wifi or hotspot being oiffered to me 4 years been here century link now direct tv charging 85 dollars a month I should gety wifi since entire computer room centuryling what can I do to change this monopolizing money hgry overcharging disposing poor people no cable4 life line only few megabytes 250 min phone time quick link stolen from me try to get cheap data addede took money not give data im crying my service dog comfort me but no Missouri where my relatives face book for almost half a decade now im dying alone and kicked as trghey say6 at century link thank u for your service killing and being killed to eliminate oprresors takers like century link what military suppose to be thanked for free4dom not free revolt on big coropiorations mandamus writs loss of contacvt given to rich and I die here no communication mum loved ones cause im poor this what I join united states navy 1979 proud then now ashamed treated like dirty sock sorry mouths cant do nothing for youn if not 85 dollars that’s cherapest only for rich discriminators wheres the justice shut trhem down
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
First of all, thank you for your service, Kimberly. Now in response to your question, there is not much you can do, unfortunately, if your apartment complex does not make internet service available. Sorry.
George k. says
I’ve been useing Verizon for years fo 50 a month unlimited data, there are times when they’ll throttle you down some times time, but all in all I’ve got internet here rural no. Idaho….
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You are correct, George, that everyone who lives in rural America is very limited in internet choices. We hope some of the upcoming satellite internet services solve that problem but only time will tell.
Rita says
I live in bouse idaho and I’m 71 extremely low income . How can I afford internet I’m isolated???
Thank you Rita boulay
************@Gmail.com thru my phone
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out the plans discussed on this page to find the one that fits your needs best. Then enroll with that company using the information we provide for each service provider.
Mary says
What are options solely based on income and not a SNAP program?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out PCs for People at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Adam says
I have followed all the links. There is nothing available in Boise or southwestern Idaho except some very shady 4g plans that end up costing a fortune because they charge by the gigabyte and want you to pay up front. None of the “low-income internet options” companies listed above operate in southern Idaho, so I don’t know why they are on this page. I’m sorry to say that this page is completely useless for us in this area, at least for now.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
They are on this page because they provide service in Idaho, Adam. None of the low-income internet service providers offer service in all areas of the states they serve. That’s just not the nature of how cable and cell companies work.
PCs for People offers service in all fifty states and our listing shows that it offers service in Boise. Have you attempted to enroll with that company?
LuAnn says
I live in Melba Idaho.
I’m disabled & only have SSI for income.
I can’t seem to find any of the low income internet where I live.
83641.
HELP thank you!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Visit EveryoneOn.org, LuAnn. Plug in your zip code and it will tell you if any low-income plans are available in your area.
LuAnn says
I’m handicapped, low income & i live in Melba Idaho.i can’t find any low income internet there. help please
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We assume you live in a pretty rural area, LuAnn. That’s a problem for a lot of people and, unfortunately, there are no solutions because the satellite internet services do not offer low-income internet plans.
John says
Below is the updated link for the city of Ammon.
http://b.ci.ammon.id.us/fiber-optic/
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thanks, John. We’ll make that change immediately. Please let us know about any additional updates or changes.
Melissa Kennison says
I’m needing internet service. do you know of any providers. Hughesnet said I have to get approved by somebody and then turn it into them so they can give me a discount rate. they don’t have it themselves. I do not live in an area where CenturyLink is. I desperately need internet. that’s what we use to watch television for my daughter who’s three and my son he was in school. if you could please get back to me I thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’ve never heard of the program you are talking about, Melissa. But we’ll look into it. In the meantime, take a look at all the low-income service providers at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Randy says
Thanks for the links, I am disabled so it’s especially important to me
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Our pleasure, Randy. Glad we could help.