According to those who calculate such things, New Jersey is the 3rd most connected state in the nation and boasts 40 different broadband providers. Despite being #3, every single resident of the state is covered by mobile broadband. It’s the only state that can make that claim.
As you would expect in the third most connected state, the state has relatively few residents with no broadband access. And yet an unacceptably large number of people in New Jersey fall into that category. No broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 8.9 million New Jerseyans, 110,000 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). Among those people are 34,000 who struggle with low data caps on their home internet connection because their only source of broadband comes from fixed wireless or mobile broadband accounts.
Unfortunately, the state is home to many needy residents who continually struggle with precarious financial situations. The state’s overall poverty rate is 11.4%. The child poverty rate is 15%. The senior poverty rate is 12%. And the state’s extreme poverty rate is 5.0%.
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
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Cablevision Economy Internet
- 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.”
Unfortunately, no municipal broadband networks are currently operating in New Jersey.
Robert cortazal says
Greater thanks for informing pop
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Our pleasure, Robert.
Tina McIntosh says
Hello. Could someone advise me as to which provider is available in Monmouth County NJ for low income customers? When I looked it up, it said that it was not found. Thank You Tina
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’re on the right page, Tina. We list all the low-income plans available in your state. We also provide a list of towns on each provider’s page.
Smith says
Much needed…in new jersey.
Dan Switzer says
need to know more on lifeline broadband pilot programs. I will be moveing to new jersey in a few months.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, the Lifeline Broadband plan appears to be dead in the water. But there are other low-income internet options that you should check out to find the one that fits your needs best. Here’s where you can see them all:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
CJ says
Hello, I live in lawrenceville, nj 08648. What plan is available in my area? Thanks!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
If we looked up plans available in each reader’s local area, we would not have time to do anything else all day. That’s why we provide contact info for each of the service provider’s on this page, CJ.
Marcia Belas says
I live in clemmington Nj 08021 and the only companies are dish xfinity Verison and having a hard time finding a company for low income ( internet ) possibly tv. Thank you. hope you can turn me in the right direction. Marcia Belas
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet plans at this link, Marcia. We’re confident that you’ll find one or more that work for you.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Marcia Belas says
I am on disability and it my only income , I can’t use my computer due to not able to afford it , it would’ve a big help , and I am on snap also thank you , Marcia Belas can u direct me to the right number to call please I live in lindenwold New Jersey
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All the information you need about low-income internet plans can be found right on this page, Marcia. You should also take a look at all the low-income plans to figure out which ones you may qualify for. You can find that info here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Jeanne Schulz says
I am a disabled senior who is in need of cheap internet. My service is about to be shut off any time now. I do get snap benefits and I live in NJ.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out the plans listed on this page. Contact each of them to find out if you qualify. Good luck, Jeanne.
Joven Omale says
I am a 66 year old senior citizen. Please let me know when Lifeline Internet is available, TY
Ramona says
I qualify for a safe link phone but need & use the wifi a lot on a friends phone I like to google search shop text Facebook check my checking account. Help me get a phone please. That’s more then basic.
maria says
How do I find out if I can get free internet, and we’re do I sign, or call, I’m in low income, I get ssd,.please let me know