Nevada is the 14th most connected state and 89 broadband providers do business in the state. Nevertheless, 70,000 people in Alabama have no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
There are 482,000 people in Alabama who have access to neither cable nor DSL broadband.
Of the 2.8 million Nevadans, 137,000 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). As if that’s no bad enough, 52,000 residents of the Silver State are stuck with low data caps from their fixed wireless or mobile broadband providers.
The state has one of the worst economies in the nation. Its overall poverty rate is 15.8%. Its child poverty rate is 24%. Its senior poverty rate is 12%. And its extreme poverty rate is 7.1%.
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
- Access from AT&T
- Frontier Communications
- Cox
- Connect2Compete (EveryoneOn)
- 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: Nexus
Where: Ohio, New Jersey, Nevada, Mississippi, Michigan, Louisiana, Iowa and California
Budget: $2,800,000
Contact: 877-870-9444
Nexus and Connect Ohio investigated the impact of various subsidies and digital literacy on rates of broadband adoption. Subscribers were given $15, $20 or zero subsidies (depending on their home zip codes) on a variety of plans differentiated by usage limits. Nexus expected the results to demonstrate (1) subscribers’ willingness to pay for data limit increases and (2) to determine if subscribers were satisfied with the choices they made.
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 — Nevada included — have passed laws restricting municipalities abilities to operate their own broadband networks. ArsTechnica.com says that in Nevada “Municipalities with at least 25,000 residents and counties with at least 50,000 residents may not provide telecommunications services.” In reality, most of rural Nevada is so lightly populated that the cost of running fiber cable quickly becomes cost prohibitive.
Nevertheless, one county has overcome the odds and offers its residents high speed broadband services:
Provider: CC Communications
Website: cccomm.info
Phone: 775-423-7171
Services Offered: Voice, Data, Video, Security, Business Services
Area Served: Churchill County
CC Communications, operated by Churchill County, offers broadband services countywide, not just to residents in its most densely populated neighborhoods. It’s website proudly says, “Only 18% of homes in the United States have fiber to the home access. CC Communications provides fiber to the home availability to 80% of Churchill County.”
Donald Walker says
To whom it may concern.
I was signed up under century link’s low income program for $19 after year they’re telling me that now my bill is $35. To me that doesn’t make any sense, considering this is supposed to be a low income program that is subsidized by the government. Is there anything that I can do Or someone that I may be able to speak to for further information on this particular program.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Have you checked into all the other low-income plans to see if any of them are available in your area, Donald? That’s where we’d start. Here’s where you can find all those low-income internet plans to review:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Janet Daines says
I can find free internet but no application forms
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
This is an independent website, Janet, with no affiliation with any of the free government cell phone companies. We are not authorized to provide and accept application forms. In order to apply, you need to contact individual companies shown on this page. We’ve provided contact info on each provider’s individual page.
kira garcia says
i just recently enrolled in college and i am independent but not emplpyed, i would like to know more about any free internet services. would really help.
bruce pilgrim says
I would like to know how to access the life line broad band program . i am waiting for my ssd and live in hud housing . this program would really help me
George H. Merrida 111 says
it’s good that someone is looking out for the poor people I really appreciate that cuz everybody can be doctors and lawyers and professionals some people are slow and not able to make more minimun wage thank you.