Helping Americans find affordable broadband internet plans
Menu
Pennsylvania: Low-cost Internet Service options
Pennsylvania is the 13th most connected state and has more than 100 broadband providers. Nevertheless, there are still 49,000 people in the state with no access to broadband. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 12.8 million Pennsylvanians, 452,000 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). Another 132,000 are stuck with low data caps as a result of being dependent on fixed wireless or mobile broadband.
Pennsylvania’s overall poverty rate is 13.7%. Its child poverty rate is a very high 20%. Its senior poverty rate is 11%. And its extreme poverty rate is 6.1%. So a lot of work has to be done to close the digital divide between the state’s richest citizens and poorest citizens.
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.
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
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 FCC’s Lifeline Broadband Pilot Programs were conducted in Pennsylvania.
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 have restricted or even outlawed municipal broadband systems. Pennsylvania is one of those states that has placed such strict restrictions that it becomes virtually impossible for a municipality to offer these services. According to arstechnica.com, Pennsylvania “municipalities cannot sell broadband services if a ‘local telephone company’ already provides broadband, even if the local telephone company charges outrageously high prices or offers poor quality service.”
Nevertheless, one municipality has managed to navigate the serpentine regulations:
yes,spectrum does hold the disabled elderly hostage on the high price of there services,my bill goes up again in nov. ,those that have internet already are not eligible for internet assist programs,plus those of us that recently lost our spouse to death,changes our ssi to ssd widows benefits so that cuts us out all around,an were a very high percentage of poor people here ,more than 50%. we also count on our cable tv. for us housebound viewers,so we get the shaft from both ends.and what little promotions they have,which are rare ,are aimed at new customers only. at least when i had time warner cable for lots of yrs. we could get free trials or good promotional deals for a yr. so, yes i read all spectrums spouting when they took over about how cheaper they were going to be,which is out right bs. cause ,they raised our bills numerous times now again in nov. to cover there deals to new customers etc. its not for operations. internet goes up again. time warner should not have dealt with them at all. no spectrum only wants your ss. check for there stock holders. old people are thinking there getting help but havent read the fine print. there internet speed is slow as hell just try paying a bill or visit wth. dear friends on facebook,or god forbid play a fbk. game. diana l. higley
We don’t have service anywhere, Matthew. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact the companies listed in the article above to get your question answered.
I am on social security disability and now am single. No extra income coming in.can’t score my ph one internet or cable Bill any longer. Need information on internet essenti am a for low income indaviduals.
Don’t stop with Internet Essentials, Lisa. Check out all the low-income internet plans available in Pennsylvania right here on this page. Find the one that fits your needs best and enroll with that company.
How would you go about obtaining lifeline broadband when you already have a lifeline cell phone? Would I have to cancel my phone before I even apply for the broadband internet, considering it’s my only form of communication, that’s a little troubling to me, to cancel one before you can apply for the other
Several points here, Brad. First of all, the Lifeline Broadband plan appears to be dead. But that may work out just fine for you. As a result, you can still get low-income internet plans, but they are not part of the Lifeline program. And you can have both a Lifeline cell phone AND one of the plans listed on this page. Just click around to find the plan that fits your needs best and enroll with that company.
There are no plans designed specifically for seniors, Jennifer, but you may qualify for a couple of the low-income internet plans for other reasons. Check each of them out carefully to find out at this link:
I’m just looking for the internet. Piece for an iPad & to plug into my. Playstion 3 for recreational relaxation. I need my own portable internet piece for on the go connectivity.the commercial that net zero had shown would be perfect except haven’t been able toget in contact with company for assistance.can you help?.
any idea on when the Lifeline Internet will be available?
I live in Pennsylvania and there is nothing else available
here. I tried the Freedom Pop, and had a terrible
experience. It was a total rip-off! After being on it
for about six months, they started charging me $10
every two or three days, and insisted that I owe them
the money even though I knew I did not use the
service enough to be billed over $100 a month. I suggest
being very careful with this company.
Dawn Springfield says
I have ACP and LL on my cell and it I transferred my acp to my internet the I loose my cell service. I need internet to use my LL.
Emelie Rodriguez says
What is is good for firestick use an.syreaming. in shenandoah heights
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Not a clue, Emelie.
diana higley says
yes,spectrum does hold the disabled elderly hostage on the high price of there services,my bill goes up again in nov. ,those that have internet already are not eligible for internet assist programs,plus those of us that recently lost our spouse to death,changes our ssi to ssd widows benefits so that cuts us out all around,an were a very high percentage of poor people here ,more than 50%. we also count on our cable tv. for us housebound viewers,so we get the shaft from both ends.and what little promotions they have,which are rare ,are aimed at new customers only. at least when i had time warner cable for lots of yrs. we could get free trials or good promotional deals for a yr. so, yes i read all spectrums spouting when they took over about how cheaper they were going to be,which is out right bs. cause ,they raised our bills numerous times now again in nov. to cover there deals to new customers etc. its not for operations. internet goes up again. time warner should not have dealt with them at all. no spectrum only wants your ss. check for there stock holders. old people are thinking there getting help but havent read the fine print. there internet speed is slow as hell just try paying a bill or visit wth. dear friends on facebook,or god forbid play a fbk. game. diana l. higley
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You go, girl!
Susan Snook says
Are there any cheap internet programs in Denver, PA 17517? Their main provider is Blue Ridge.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
To find out what’s available in your area, visit EveryoneOn.org and plug in your zip code.
Matthew Young says
Do you have service in the Upper Allen Township in PA? Zip is 17055.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We don’t have service anywhere, Matthew. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact the companies listed in the article above to get your question answered.
Colleen shiloski says
I live in West Pittston Pennsylvania’s what low income internet is good for me?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, Colleen, but there’s now way for us to recommend one company over another because there are so many variables.
Michelle W says
I live in Johnstown Pa (Cambria county) I would like to know what company offers the low income internet and how can I apply
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We provide all the info you need in our “States page, Michelle. Just check it out to find all the plans available:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/states
Lisa Kerrigan says
I am on social security disability and now am single. No extra income coming in.can’t score my ph one internet or cable Bill any longer. Need information on internet essenti am a for low income indaviduals.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Don’t stop with Internet Essentials, Lisa. Check out all the low-income internet plans available in Pennsylvania right here on this page. Find the one that fits your needs best and enroll with that company.
Brad Thomas says
How would you go about obtaining lifeline broadband when you already have a lifeline cell phone? Would I have to cancel my phone before I even apply for the broadband internet, considering it’s my only form of communication, that’s a little troubling to me, to cancel one before you can apply for the other
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Several points here, Brad. First of all, the Lifeline Broadband plan appears to be dead. But that may work out just fine for you. As a result, you can still get low-income internet plans, but they are not part of the Lifeline program. And you can have both a Lifeline cell phone AND one of the plans listed on this page. Just click around to find the plan that fits your needs best and enroll with that company.
jennifer says
i retire senior lived in pa. and l have fix income. i like to know is there any low income for senior
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are no plans designed specifically for seniors, Jennifer, but you may qualify for a couple of the low-income internet plans for other reasons. Check each of them out carefully to find out at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Amanda says
Comcast launched one for elderly on low income
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The only problem is that it’s still extremely limited.
Timothy Harris says
I’m just looking for the internet. Piece for an iPad & to plug into my. Playstion 3 for recreational relaxation. I need my own portable internet piece for on the go connectivity.the commercial that net zero had shown would be perfect except haven’t been able toget in contact with company for assistance.can you help?.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Have you tried the number we show on our NetZero page? You can find it here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-cost-internet-service
Check out all the other options on that page, too. And a merry Christmas to you.
Tana Dale says
any idea on when the Lifeline Internet will be available?
I live in Pennsylvania and there is nothing else available
here. I tried the Freedom Pop, and had a terrible
experience. It was a total rip-off! After being on it
for about six months, they started charging me $10
every two or three days, and insisted that I owe them
the money even though I knew I did not use the
service enough to be billed over $100 a month. I suggest
being very careful with this company.
shirley says
Where are your updates for 2015.?