Montana is the 48th most connected state and there are 68 broadband providers in the state.
Unfortunately, there are 38,000 people in Montana with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the one million Montanans, 277,000 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). Of those, 89,000 are stuck with low data caps because their only internet access comes via fixed wireless or mobile broadband connections.
Montana’s poverty situation is not a pretty one. The overall poverty rate is 15.5%. The child poverty rate is 20.3%. The senior poverty rate is 9.0%. And the extreme poverty rate is 6.0%.
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
- Connect2Compete (EveryoneOn)
- 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 Programs were conducted in Montana.
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.”
Unfortunately, there are no municipal fiber networks operating in Montana at this time. However, that may change soon because the Missoula city council recently voted unanimously to move toward a building piecemeal muni network in conjunction with existing private fiber lines. Keep checking back here at CheapInternet.com for updates and we’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest progress.
phyllis arnoldand says
I have a handicapped person in my home and need a low cost tv cable or internet so they can watch tv. We are both senior citizens and on fixed income
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Phyllis, there are no low-income cable TV plans available.
MELISSA says
Spectrum now offers $15 internet for those that qualify.
Here is the article, for you to read. I am so excited about this, will be finally getting internet for my mother!! Can’t wait to have video calls with her !!!
https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist.html
Carolyn Albers says
This is a challenge for internet in MT. I have Century Link of whom thought I would rent the modem. It is less expensive to buy it. I say to anyone, “Please read the fine print”. For myself I am locked into this due to a clause of $200.00 for bumping out early. Thank you for the information as this will help a lot of folk’s in MT. p.s. Mr. repair man appeared as the internet crashed. Told him the problem was a mountain lion pissed onto the outside connection. After he checked and spoke as a “drunken sailor on leave”. It was repaired. Snowing today.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Our relatives in the Flathead Valley area also complain about the cost of internet.
Carolyn Albers says
I being elderly and disabled qualified for low cost Century Link. The challenge appears you are charged $200.00, if you jump out before 2 years. You also need to rent their modem. Reading the small print, I discovered it was cheaper to buy the modem. There is NO clarity in any of the plans that one may discern. Transparency should be a priority in every state. Please emphasize that all read the small print, ask questions (to someone honest). This is a true incident. under just revenge. The internet did not work for 5 months. Finally Mr. fix it appeared. “What do you think is the problem”? ha. “A mountain lion pissed on the outlet and shorted the system”. After he realized the truth, he pondered how to write it up. Said,”use an ink pen, simple”. (before the grizzly returns) this is Montana.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry to hear about your problems, Carolyn. We know Montana well, because our family hails from the Kalispell area.
Jewel Beston says
I sure hope Montana is put on the list for free government phones tomorrow.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s a bit of a mystery why Montana has such low participation in the free government cell phone plan, Jewel. (By the way, a big call out to all my family members in the Flathead Valley.) There are a few small plans, but they are aimed primarily at native Americans. For more information on the Lifeline free government cell phone plan, check out our other website:
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net
Carolyn Albers says
Figure one would have to look through the ashes first, & under the snow. Good crop of cherries though. Most folk’s wonder if we have electricity. Looking at a cub tractor to romp around town, why not? Holler if you head this way. Can keep you up on `the latest bs.