New York, the Empire State, is the 5th most connected state. And there are a total of 94 broadband providers offering their wares in the state. But there are 104,000 people in Alabama with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 19.5 million New Yorkers, 995,000 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). Approximately 121,000 of them find themselves trying to cope with low data caps because their only sources of internet are fixed wireless or mobile broadband.
New York has always been a land of extremes — some of the nation’s richest people right alongside some of the poorest. This is reflected in statistics that show the overall poverty rate is 16%. The child poverty rate is 23%. The senior poverty rate is 17%. And, sadly, the extreme poverty rate is 7%.
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
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- CenturyLink’s Internet Basics
- Windstream
- Frontier Communications
- Cablevision Economy Internet
- 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: XChange Telecom
Where: New York
Budget: Unknown
Contact: 877-853-3443
XChange (working with the New York City Housing Authority, Older Adults Technology Services, City University of New York Computer Sciences Department and School of Public Affairs, Baruch College, and City University of New York) tried to increase digital literacy among seniors. They tested a range of subsidies of $10 (reducing the monthly rate to $14.99), $15 (reducing the monthly rate to $9.99) and $20 (reducing the monthly rate to $4.99). The test was conducted in buildings and neighborhoods in Central Brooklyn. They also tested two wireline plans and one fixed-wireless plan.
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 municipalities in New York have yet invested in municipal broadband networks.
john bethmann says
I need broad band only for internet I would like a company that supplies lifeline internet.
I am with Verizon and am cancelling because it is too costly
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There’s a difference between Lifeline internet and the cheap internet plans we cover on this website. The explanation is too lengthy to explain here in the comments section, but we have run a number of articles that explain it. But you are on the right page. Just look at all the plans described on this page and look for the ones offered in your area.
Nidia Barrera says
Hi I will like to get internet for low income peoples. Can you please let me know how can I get that.
Thank you
Ms. Nidia Barrera.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All the options are right here on this page, Nidia. Just click through to find the plans that fits your needs best, then enroll using the contact info we provide.
Dinick says
I watched youtube a lot. Also, watch FACEBOOK videos. Which plans do you thinks is best for me? I want to watch 3 hours or 6 hours. To watch Netflix.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s a warning up front, Dinick. These plans are all designed for more basic necessities such as job search, doctor appointments, etc. So they’re not designed for the heavy kind of usage you describe. They’ll give you high speed initially, then throttle back the speeds when you reach some higher level of usage (the amount depends on the specific service provider).
You should check out all the plans at the link below, but make sure you check out our newest listing, ConnectAll:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Vincent Allen says
I have assurance wireless. Wondering if I qualify?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There is no connection between the Lifeline free government cell phone plan and any of the low-income internet plans (well, there is some minor overlap, but not in this case). We provide eligibility rules for each of the plans listed on this page, so go back and check them out and you’ll find which ones you are eligible for. Good luck.
Maria Anderson says
Can you find me a cheap internet in my area of New York, my zip code is 13032
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’ve provided all the companies, their contact info, and a list of places where they are available. It’s all right here on this page, Maria. The rest is up to you.
Jennifer bridges says
I live in Bronx NY zip code 10457 can you please send me a low income internet company in my area
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We can’t track it down to the zip code level, Jennifer, but you can go through the plans listed on this page to see which ones are available in each town.
Ralph Porter says
I’m looking for cable/wifi I can afford in brooklyn I’m on public assistance and waiting for SSDI I have done without for over a year please help me !
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out the plans offered on this page to see which ones are available in your area. Good luck.
Debby Quashen says
I’m not sure if I read that CenturyLink ended it’s Internet Basics Program, and didn’t live up to it’s word. It wasn’t available in NYC. Other the SafeLink by TracFone, which isn’t reliable, is there any other internet basics program Lifeline internet program, in NYC?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Try reading the article on this page, Debby. It lists all the options.
judy hawthorne says
where can you check to see if and what service is offered in 11782 and 1 person is on medicaid?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s a link to an article that tells you how to find out what’s available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/find-low-income-internet-service-providers-your-area
Heather says
I am interested and wanna know if I qualify? How can I do that?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The qualification rules are different for each plan, Heather. Each of our individual service provider pages will tell you what its eligibility rules are. Just click on any of the providers listed in this article to be taken to its page.
Nadimah says
I would like to know about high speed internet through your company for people on fix income
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Please understand, Nadimah, that the service does not come through our company. This is an independent informational website that’s not affiliated with any of the low-income internet service providers. Check the companies listed on this page to find out which ones are available in your area and which ones you are eligible for.
Moses Wiggins says
I used to have Verizon DSL for years until this past summer had a breakdown and lost my job I’m on a fixed income now. if I pay’d my back bill which is about $200 or so would I quality for a fixed rate?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The short answer is yes, Moses. But Verizon isn’t really a company we think of for low-income internet plans. You find much better options at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
It’s just a matter of finding the ones you’re eligible for that are also available in your area. We give you all that info plus contact information. Good luck.
Freddie DeJoint says
When the hell will these so call lifeline internet programs will actually start helping people like us, low income, disable, snap . You guys talk a good game, but are full of it.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All the companies listed on this page are already offering low-income internet plans.
Freddie DeJoint says
They are not , !!! I’m from Queens , New York. , Believe you me , there is NO Lifeline low cost internet services as off 09/06/2017 , You’re full of it
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Every once in a while a comment really pisses us off. This is one of those times, Freddie. If you are under the mistaken impression that we (or anyone) is able to determine which low-income internet plans are available at any given address, you are sorely mistaken. But we doubt that right or wrong really matters to an ass like you. You sound like one of those guys who just wants to be right. This website has helped hundreds of thousands of people find low-income internet plans. If you are unsatisfied with the service we offer ABSOLUTELY FREE, go find another website that will give you the help you want.
fred says
Calling me an ASS , won’t help it’s 2019 . and all you can say to people is look at the website, you’re no help at all, instead of directing people who really need the help like for exp, sending them to the actual internet company that can help them in their area, you just act like the yellow pages, you no help MR, No matter what you may think but your no help at all
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Looks like we were right, Freddie boy. You are an ass. An insufferable ass.
fred dejoint usmc says
Remember, I never called you any names, you must be really offended that you can’t direct low income people in New York City to real companies that offer internet services for $9.99 to $14.99 , because there aren’t any , outside of New York ,Yes, there are internet companies that offer low internet services. But not in New York City, but I guess you never been disable, a combat Vet, low income A$$$hoe ,and that’s because you unprofessionally called me ass ,3 times. while I was staying facts, you were stating Dreams to people in real despaired nee of free or low cost internet services , You uneducated fool
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Ass.
Charmaine says
I have Optimimum and I live in Brooklyn NY.Was recently laid off so cannot afford to pay the amount that I pay.I would like to know if there are any cheap alternative for internet in my neighborhood I live in 11225 zip code.Thank you for your help.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We cannot track plans down to a narrow local area, Charmaine. However, we recommend that you take a look at all the low-income plans available here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
We’d suggest that you pay particular attention to two programs: (1) PCS for People and (2) 4GCommunity. They are both available anywhere covered by the Sprint national cell network. Good luck.
Fred says
Your still an Ass
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thanks, Fred. Praise from a master is indeed gratifying.
LovelyLady says
Thanks for this site.
I live in the Bronx NY and right now I use Optimum online. For the last year my bill was $40 a month which I thought was a bit much but I managed to handle it. Last month I was told by Optimum that my bill would be raised $15 MORE because the price I had was a New Customer “Promotional” price which would be for a year. I haven’t spoken to a customer service rep about this because I am without a phone. Optimum is unfortunately the only internet company that I know of that caters to the Bronx so they are definitely breaking some kind of ethical rule as far raising the price on their services to faithful customers. I am on Public Assistance as most residents in my particular building. I hope to find through this site/article an affordable internet service in my area. I will return with my findings and reviews if any.
Thanks again!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet plans to find one for which you’re eligible and which is available in your area. In particular, check out PCs for People. If you happen to live in an area covered by Sprint’s national cell network, it’s a great option:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
fred diz says
when will new york start offering the free internet program please
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There is no “free” internet program, only discounted, inexpensive ones.