Despite the fact that there are 127 broadband providers offering internet access in Washington, and despite the fact that it is the 12th most connected state, 41,000 still remain with access to broadband of any kind. No cable. No DSL. No fixed wireless. No mobile internet. Nothing.
Of the 7.0 million Washingtonians, 402,000 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). And 111,000 Washington residents must depend on fixed wireless or mobile broadband with low data caps.
The fiscal situation is dire for many Washingtonians. The state’s overall poverty rate is 14.1%. Its child poverty rate is 19%. Its senior poverty rate is 9%. And its extreme poverty rate is a disappointing 6.4%.
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
- EveryoneOn
- PC’s for People
- Simply Internet by Wave (Seattle area only)
- 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: TracFone and Technology Goes Home
Where: Wisconsin, Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland and Florida
Budget: $915,000
Contact: 617-635-2822 (Technology Goes Home); 800-867-7183 (TracFone)
TracFone’s pilot program offers differing combinations of free or discounted hardware combined with service at a cost of $10 or $20 per month. The purpose of this TracFone and Technology Goes Home pilot program was to test low-income customers’ sensitivity to upfront and ongoing prices. By comparing two different offers, TracFone was expected to estimate the adoption and success of each offer.
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 restrict or even ban municipal networks. The website ArsTechnica.com says Washington “authorizes some municipalities to provide communications services but prohibits public utility districts from providing communications services directly to customers.”
And that, unfortunately, explains why no municipal broadband networks are available to the citizens of Washington.
Angela says
Cannot find who does it in state either. It’s now 2020. This is very confusing reading what was written. Still seem to go in circles and find nothing. Not even sure what some of the terms mean…
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can’t find who does it in your state? Did you read the above article? It lists all the plans available in your state.
Jeff says
My brother is on disability with food stamps, and lives in Washuagol, WA. Who supplies low cost internet in that area?
I’ve been searching these sites, and it seems you in circles. Then you find out it’s not available in the area!
Thank you for your time!
J Rose says
Why is it that if you meet qualifications you can not have service within last 60 days with Charter/Spectrum? Is that really fair? I asked about disconnecting my service for 60 days then and the rep said I would NOT suggest that. ?? Does that mean that if you have been an internet customer at any time you are ineligible? I am always fallng behind but trying to keep service for kids in school. They qualify for free lunch and I am on SSD so our budget is extremely limited. Shouldn’t there be safeguards put in place that restrict them from not allowing us to transfer service to a lifeline acct if we meet qualifications.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We cannot disagree with anything you’ve said, J. It has always seemed unfair to us. But there may be options for you. Go to the link below and check out PCs for People and 4GCommunity. We don’t know where you are in Washington, but both programs offer their plans in some Washington cities, so maybe you’ll get lucky.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
barbara anderson says
I am 80 on section 8 housing raising a 17 year old great grandaughter. we get comcast essential for chloe but need a computer mine has die where can I get one?? if we both qualify seems like we should be able to get one?
Barbara anderson
barand37@gmail.com
di stewart says
im afraid all that was greek to me. i would really like to have basic internet, but definitely cannot afford general prices linked to the tv and phone companies.i also have a problem with southern sky access because of trees.it would be great if you could point me in a less expensive direction.
victoria l horman says
I am on s.s.i…i cant Ever afford The internet I get733.00 a month and no.more from any where . Iam desperate for a inexpensive Broadband.or mobile wed. It is crippling in this society ,not to beable to fill forms and other important business Applications like lieph an other sites that May possible Help me to afford even 20.00$ amonth .please help me find one. In washington state . Signed out of the times …..thank you victoria horman 360 200 ****
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Brenda Coch4an says
We would like basic cable TV and not just the few local channels and internet. We do not have landline phone both use the cheap cell phone accounts which works for only $25. A month.