New Mexico has 72 broadband providers and is the 42nd most connected state. Since it ranks so low in terms of internet connectivity, it’s not surprising to see that 43,000 people in the state have no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 2.1 million New Mexicans, 333,000 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 that number, 192,000 are stuck with low data caps on their home internet connections.
As you might expect, the state’s poverty rates are very high when compared to other states. The overall poverty rate is 21.9%. The child poverty rate is 29%. The senior poverty rate is 15%. And the extreme poverty rate is 10.1%.
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
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- EveryoneOn
- SuddenLink
- Windstream
- 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.
Who: NTCA
Where: Iowa and New Mexico
Budget: $202,652
Contact: 703-351-2000 (national headquarters located in Arlington, Virginia)
NTCA (the National Rural Broadband Association), Alpine Communications, Leaco Rural Telephone and Connected Nation looked into the effectiveness of various subsidies by offering wireline broadband plans in one state with a flat subsidy amount of $25 per month for all 12 months, and offering similar plans in another state with subsidies of $40 per month for the first quarter, $30 in the second quarter, $20 in the third quarter, and $10 in the fourth quarter.
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 broadband networks available in the state of New Mexico.
tim schumman says
We are both unemployed,
Man hit my truck with no insurance
Centrury link bill is 68.00 with late charge and router I have rented for 3 years,
PLEASE help.
Now my FREE OBAMA insurance is demanding I buy my medicine.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We know nothing about any Free Obama insurance program, Tim, so we cannot comment on that subject. However, it sounds as if you may qualify for one or more of the low-income internet plans. Check out all the ones listed on this page to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll in that program. Good luck.
Inge Christman says
Looking for internet connection
In Albuquerque, NM 87111. I’m a 75 yr
old female w/$791 monthly income.
Incl’ds SSI. Live alone and have
no HUD or sect. 8 help. What is the most reasonable plan for this.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Inge
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’ve listed all the plans available in New Mexico right here on this page, Inge. Check them all out to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company.
Grace Nettleton says
I am a social worker for Head Start and just learned that CenturyLink no longer offers the Internet Basics program except in Oregon and Washington. Phooey!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We keep hearing those reports from readers, but CenturyLink has told us there have been no changes to the plan. We’ll keep asking.
Oh, by the way, why do you say it is only offered in Oregon and Washington now? Do you have some sort of documentation to confirm what you said? If so, we’d love to see it.
Melissa Rios says
I am a full time college student and pay $50/month for high speed internet on my hot spot device with t mobile. I live off student loans and am looking for a cheaper internet service with the ability to search the web day or night no matter the time. The number of credits I take every semester has me doing homework around the clock. I am also interested in purchasing a new computer and if qualified would like to take advantage of your offer in the notebook for $150. Where do I apply for one of your plans?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re an independent website, Melissa, not a low-income internet service provider. You need to contact the companies directly.
Julio flores says
I have comcast my income is 733 a month i need internet assistance. Where do i apply