Missouri is the 36th most connected state and there are 150 broadband providers in the state.
Unfortunately, there are 73,000 people in Missouri with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 6.1 million Missourians, 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). Of those, 433,000 are stuck with low data caps because their only internet access comes via fixed wireless or mobile broadband connections.
Missouri’s poverty situation is not a pretty one. The overall poverty rate is 15.9%. The child poverty rate is 23%. The senior poverty rate is 8%. And the extreme poverty rate is 6.9%.
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
- Access from AT&T
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Windstream
- EveryoneOn
- Mediacom
- 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.
- 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 Missouri.
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 misguided states have passed laws prohibiting municipally-owned broadband networks. Missouri, unfortunately, is one of those cities. ArsTechnica.com explains the Missouri law like this: “Cities and towns can’t sell telecom services or lease telecom facilities to private providers ‘except for services used for internal purposes; services for educational, emergency, and health care uses; and Internet-type services.'”
Despite these restrictions, several municipalities have been able to offer broadband networks to their residents. They are:
Provider: liNKCity
Website: linkcity.org
Phone: 816.412.7990
Services Offered: Data
Area Served: North Kansas City
With a variety of speed packages and the incredible reliability of an underground fiber optic network, liNKCity provides broadband internet to 3,000 businesses and residents of North Kansas City.
Provider: Marshall Municipal Utilities
Website: mmumo.net
Phone: 660-886-6966
Services Offered: Data, Smart Grid
Area Served: Marshall
MMU is rapidly expanding its wireless and fiber high-speed Internet service throughout Marshall, Missouri. Its website says, “As a municipal utility, we believe it is our role to consider offering services that are needed in our community.”
Kim Nichols says
How van I apply and qualify on line as soon as possible.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The listings on this page show every state and city where each plan is available. Find the one or ones available in your area, then enroll using the contact info we provide for each service provider.
Elsie says
What cheap internet Co are near preston mo I retired can’t afford 50 60 for internet please help
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We don’t know where Preston is, Elsie. You can check out each of the plans on this page to find out where they offer service. We provide that info on each service provider’s page.
Faye Krauss says
I am 65 years old and on snap program I draw SSA and I have Missouri Health Net
Dana Rotty says
I don’t appreciate the rude response I received very unprofessional I’m learning disabled don’t understand. It all so no I can’t answer my own freakin question
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
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Connie Carr says
I am a retired widow and cannot afford wifi. I live about 20 mi. E. of Springfield in Fordland. I cannot find a company who serves low income families in ?_ area.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All the low-income plans are listed on this page, Connie. Have you checked into each of them to see if they’re available in your area?
Letha Moeckli says
My son lives in Springfield mo I’m sure qualifies for food stamps but doesn’t get them. Can he still get low cost internet? What does he need to do?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Not all low-income plans require food stamps, Letha. Check the link below for all the low-income plans available, to see their eligibility requirements and to see where they are available. You should pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. But check out all the others, too, just in case.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Tonya Palmer says
I am a mother of two who’s unemployed due to a disability. I am currently awaiting my approval for disability and have no income. My nine year old daughter is needing WI-Fi for school how can I get it in Missouri? My neighbor gets free internet connection through axus who do I contact please contact me and let me know what I need to do to apply
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can contact any of the companies listed on this page, Tonya. It sounds like you qualify for all of the programs based on income, so all you need to do is find a plan that’s available in your part of Missouri.
Rebecca says
I need a wi-fi connection, because I live in rural Platte County and there is no del or broadband. They do have satellite at something like $ 66.00 a month for 5GB. That’s hwy robbery is what that is.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry to be the bearers of bad news, Rebecca, but you may be out of luck. It is, unfortunately, the price you pay for living away from the city. You might try PCs for People. It’s a great choice IF..IF…IF you live in an area covered by the Sprint network. Here’s where you can find out more about all the low-income internet plans:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Bonnie Lawyer says
Has there been any updates on the availability of Free to Low Cost Internet for Seniors in Missouri? On the descriptions of plans, and peoples comments, I did not find anything later than 2015.
I am on a very limited income. I have already had my Dish TV “paused”, because they won’t cut it off altogether. I am preparing to have my landline and internet cut off, as the city has raised the electric bill so high that it has doubled. Other expenses have gone up to the point I cannot afford more than $20 to $25 on groceries per month. I cannot drive anymore, and have no way to get out to pay my bills, or anything else. Therefore, my Soc Sec goes straight to the bank, and my bank pays my bills. The last 3 months, my account has been overdrawn because the gas company has taken the money out on the 30th of the month, when it isn’t due until the 5th of the following month. Of course, since that happened, I was charged $15.00 each time for being overdrawn, and that has taken my grocery money. I am so angry that I worked all of my life, and now am not able to pay for even the basics. My computer is my only source of entertainment and keeping in touch with my family. I am ready to give up. This is no way to live.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The seniors plan is still being tested, so there’s no news in that area. However, if you happen to live in an area served by Comcast Internet Essentials and happen to live in HUD-assisted housing, there is a plan for you. You can find more info here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/internet-essentials-expansion-10-per-month-plan-for-hud-families
Lisa Pratt says
what is availiable for desoto mo,63020 for low income single person (disabled)
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are unable to break down availability on a zip code-by-zip code basis, Lisa. But you can go through the Internet options shown on this page to figure it out.
Earl Johnson says
We currently have Internet service with your company recently my bill has doubled and can not afford to continue with service, but I came across an article regarding low-income Internet provided by your company. We are curious to find out if we qualify. We would appreciate your reply. Thank you, Wanda