Experts say that Minnesota is the 22nd most connected state and that there are 201 broadband providers in the state. Nevertheless, 18,000 Minnesotans still have no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 5.4 million residents of Minnesota, 687,000 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). On top of that, 169,000 North Star State residents must make do with low data caps on their home connections because they’re stuck with fixed wireless or mobile broadband providers.
The state’s poverty statistics are nothing to brag about, either. Its overall poverty rate is 11.2%. Its child poverty rate, sadly, is 15%. Its senior poverty rate is 11%. And its extreme poverty rate, while extremely low by national standards, is still an unacceptable 4.9%.
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
- EveryoneOn
- Windstream
- Frontier Communications
- Mediacom
- Midco
- 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 Programs were conducted in Minnesota.
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. 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.”
Some states put severe restrictions on a municipality’s ability to offer its residents a community-owned broadband internet network. ArsTechnica.com explains the legal situation in Minnesota like this: “65 percent of voters must approve before municipalities can offer local exchange services or operate facilities that support communications services.”
Despite that nearly impossible hurdle, several Minnesota cities are now operating their own municipal broadband networks:
Provider: Barnesville Municipal Utilities
Website: barnesvillemn.com/solutions/city-utilities/internet/
Phone: 218-354-2292
Services Offered: Voice, data, video
Area Served: Barnesville
All citizens living within the Barnesville city limits now have the option to upgrade from dial-up service to high speed DSL service. So far 1,100 residences and businesses have signed up.
Provider: City of Chaska
Website: chaskamn.com
Phone: 952-227-4638
Services Offered: Fiber connections available for businesses, wireless for residential
Area Served: Chaska
The Chaska, Minnesota website says, “A city-wide wireless network has been available since July 2004. By deploying this exciting, proven technology in combination with our current internet backbone, Chaska residents can now experience state-of-the-art broadband at dial-up prices.”
Provider: Crosslake Communications
Website: crosslake.net
Phone: 218-692-2777
Services Offered: Voice, Data, Video
Area Served: Crosslake
What began in 1925 as a telephone company is now a communications company offering telephone services, cable TV (including High Definition TV) and High Speed Internet with speeds up to 20 Mb as well as computer repair service.
Provider: FiberNet Monticello
Website: monticellofiber.com (Warning: Google suspects this website of having malware)
Phone: 763-314-0100
Services Offered: Voice, Video, Data
Area Served: Monticello
The municipal website says, “We remain committed to bringing fast, affordable, and reliable technology to our residents. Best of all, when you choose FiberNet, you choose a company that is invested in the future of your community.” FiberNet Monticello offers blazing fast internet, digital telephone and digital television to residents and businesses in Monticello.
Provider: Lake Connections (Lake County)
Website: LakeConnections.com
Phone: 218-834-8500
Services Offered: Voice, Video, Data
Area Served: Lake County, part of Saint Louis County
Lake Connections is a self-sustaining business owned by Lake County. It offers High-Speed Internet, Digital TV, and Voice services to Lake County and Eastern St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota.
Provider: Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services
Website: mysmbs.com
Phone: 507-662-7000
Services Offered:
Area Serve: Bingham Lake, Heron Lake, Lakefield, Jackson, Round Lake, Brewster, Okabena, Wilder
Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services serves 3,700 customers in the area surrounding Bingham Lake. It offers fast, reliable internet, telephone and television service.
Provider: Windomnet (Windom Telecommunications)
Website: windomnet.com
Phone: 507-832-8000
Services Offered: Voice, Data, Video
Area Served: Windom
5000 residents of Windom and Cottonwood County, Minnesota receive high-speed internet services from this community-owned broadband utility.
Lori McIntyre says
I am trying to find low cost internet for my 86 year old father. He is deaf and only has internet services with his Spectrom/Charter cable company because he needs it for his CapTel phone. He loves his CapTel phone and could not function with out it, but has to pay $55/month for internet when he has no computer of WiFi! He would not get internet service if it were not for his need for that phone. He is not a retired vet but is a 100% disabled vet due to his severe hearing loss. He also does not qualify for SSI and has an income above 135% above poverty. Is there any program available in Elk River MN that he could use?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Visit EveryoneOn.org and plug in your dad’s zip code, Lori. You’ll get a list of all the services available in his area. Good luck. And please do us a favor — thank your dad for his service. We appreciate it.
maggie potter says
i live in rockford mn and have basic internet through century link my 5 year plan recently expire driving the cost up . to unaforadable amounts i currently have a lifeline benifit through qlink cell phone,and although my household qualifies for low income or other programs i can not seem to find a way threw the loopholes like must new customer or no service for ninty days to make ant arrangments to cuntinue or change services that i truly need what do i do there seems to be no options and only two availible internet/phone providers to work with here the other i spectrum and their qualifacation state new customers only and only one lifeline per house hold also that centurylink is partnered with their internet/cable bundles here so it seems we have now way to get these benifit without cancling and living without for three months. this make no sense to me. need to have a phone and internet i dont know who to ask for help making changes
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re right about that, Maggie. It makes no sense to us, either. But, unfortunately, that’s the way all the programs work.
What you need to do is find an alternative low-income internet service provider. We list them all and provide contact info at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
We would suggest that you pay particular attention to PCs for People, 4GCommunity, and maybe even AT&T. Good luck.
Steph Pflepsen says
im on disability.. in minnesota household income $1,204/month for 2
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Most of the low-income internet programs are not income-based, Steph. But check out PCs for People because it is, and the eligibility rules allow you to make far more than the Federal Poverty Guidelines:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Mary Holmlund says
I’m trying to find low cost home internet service for seniors with income between less than 150% federal poverty guidelines, no children at home. Have we low income seniors been forgotten?