Cheap Internet for Disabled, Seniors and Low-Income Americans

Introduction

Cheap broadband internet plans have been created by public-private partnerships, to bring high-speed, wireless internet access to those on government assistance such as disability benefits, or who have low-income.

Main Item

There are still 64.5 million (U.S.) people without a connection to the Internet and that figure hits hardest on those with the lowest incomes. The biggest reason these Americans don't sign up for broadband today is cost. Only half of all U.S. households in the lowest income tier subscribe to a broadband service and 43 percent say the biggest reason for not subscribing is the cost of the service. Of the low income consumers who have subscribed to mobile broadband, over 40 percent have to cancel or suspend their service due to financial constraints. Affordability remains the primary barrier to broadband adoption.

Meaning and Difference Between 3G, 4G and 4G LTE

First up, lets define some of the terms you are likely to come across when researching Internet providers - as well as cell phone carriers.

What is 3G?

3G simply means the third generation network. The 3G network was the first technology with sufficient speed to provide a decent user experience on a smartphone. Whilst 3G is fairly effective when it comes to giving users mobile access to the internet, and is a vast improvement over previous 2G technology, it is still far from perfect.

What is 4G?

4G means the fourth generation network. 4G is often 5 to 10 times faster than 3G in real-world use, with speeds between 20 Megabits per second (Mbps) and 50Mbps. New 4G technologies such as "Carrier Aggregation", where your smartphone connects to multiple cellular frequencies at once, provides even faster speeds in certain areas.

What Does LTE Mean?

LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. 4G was made to replace 3G and offers a more reliable connection delivering much higher speeds data transfer. Specifically, 4G LTE means "fourth-generation long term evolution," with LTE being a type of 4G that delivers the fastest connection for a mobile internet experience.

What is Mobile Broadband?

Older 3G wireless Internet technology delivered slow Internet speeds in comparison to traditional DSL and cable Internet connections. However, today's wireless Internet technology including 4G LTE delivers mobile broadband speeds equivalent and even faster than DSL and cable. Today, mobile broadband Internet connectivity can replace existing home Internet broadband.

3G - 4G Compatibility

A 3G phone is not compatible with a 4G network, however newer generations of cellphones are nearly always designed to be backward compatible, so a 4G phone can communicate through a 3G - or even 2G network.

What is Wireless Internet?

Unlike DSL and Cable Internet technology that require physical at home or at the office connections, wireless Internet technology, including LTE allows Internet access anywhere, anytime, with any device. Connect your desktop, iPad, iPhone, laptop or any device wirelessly, ensuring Internet access no matter where your life takes you. Whether you need to connect to the Internet from home, the office, coffee shop, hotel, or even at the bar, wireless Internet technology will connect you.

Can I Get Internet with Food Stamps?

If you participate in SNAP (food stamps), you may also qualify for low-cost Internet. Internet companies, like AT&T and Cox, require that at least one person in your home qualifies for SNAP to get low-cost Internet. However, low-cost Internet is not included with SNAP as you have to apply for it separately - see further down the page for further details.

List of Affordable Home Internet Services

Allconnect: Internet Subsidy for Low-Income Households

Many low-income families and students have been impacted by the lack of access to broadband during the pandemic. In the past, some may have been able to get by without full access to the internet or using shared devices. However, with work and schools shifting to a virtual environment, these families are having to choose between paying their Internet bills and maintaining basic household needs like groceries and rent. This comprehensive guide highlighting information about the emergency broadband benefit program for low-income households that launched on May 12, 2021, covers topics such as:

• Additional Information about Ways to Apply.
• Detailed Explanation of the FCC's Broadband Benefits Program.
• How to Qualify for Internet Subsidies and Internet Provider Participation.

Internet Essentials

As part of a pilot program by Internet Essentials, eligible seniors can access affordable Internet at home and receive free computer and Internet training classes. This Senior pilot program is being offered on a trial basis in:

FreedomPop

FreedomPop is a new player in the mobile phone space and relies on towers from big players like Sprint to ensure reliable nationwide coverage. FreedomPop provides disruptive mobile services including the world's first 100% free mobile plan so that no one is left off the "connected grid." Founded in 2012, FreedomPop is rewriting the rules of the global telecoms industry accelerating the convergence of Internet models and technology with traditional Telecom.

Spectrum Internet TM Assist

Spectrum believe that everyone should have access to reliable, high-speed Internet at an affordable price. To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of the household must be a recipient of either; The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced cost lunch; The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP; Or Supplemental Security Income ( ≥ age 65 only). Through the Spectrum Internet Assist program, qualified households can receive:

• No contracts required
• Internet modem included
• Add in-home WiFi for $5 more per month
• High-speed 30 Mbps Internet with no data caps

Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications

Lifeline is the FCC's program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service purchased from participating providers in the marketplace. Subscribers can also purchase discounted broadband Internet from participating providers. The discounts, which can be applied to stand-alone broadband, bundled voice-broadband packages - either fixed or mobile - and stand-alone voice service - will help ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21st-century broadband and the access it provides to jobs, education and opportunities.

Midco Lifeline Assistance

Midco Lifeline Assistance is a federal program intended to put home phone and internet service within the reach of qualifying families – giving low-income households affordable home phone or internet access. This isn't a promotion or special offer. If you reside in a state where Midco is an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) and Midco services are available at your home address, you may be eligible for this program.

Eagle Communications

Eagle Communications' Broadband Division strives to be the leader in economic revitalization in the rural American communities they serve, dedicated to bringing relevant information, entertainment and broadband services to the people, businesses and families. With a variety of options to fit your budget, Eagle Communications is your whole home solution for internet, TV, and phone. Let Eagle Communications power your home internet and start enjoying faster speeds today.

California School2Home Internet Program

The Mission of School2Home is to close the Achievement Gap and Digital Divide at low-performing California middle schools by integrating the use of computing and broadband technologies into teaching and learning. School2Home program offers free computers and home internet to California students, and is currently active in 12 districts and 31 schools. School2Home is an initiative of the California Emerging Technology Fund, a public benefit foundation established in 2007 by the California Public Utilities Commission to close the state's Digital Divide.

EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn is a U.S. national nonprofit that creates social and economic opportunity by connecting everyone to the internet. Spurred by a challenge from the Federal Communications Commission to help connect all people in the United States, EveryoneOn began in 2012 as a public awareness campaign and digital inclusion pilot. They work to connect people living in the United States to low-cost home internet service, affordable computers and tablets, and digital literacy training. Since 2012, they have connected over 600,000 people in 48 states - with the goal to connect one million people by 2020.

CenturyLink High-Speed Internet

Fast In-Home WiFi. Experience the ultimate WiFi connection to fast Internet throughout your entire home. CenturyLink In-home WiFi gives you a wireless Internet experience, allowing you to connect multiple devices to your home network. You'll have the speed and range to stream, game and upload with ease.

Cox Low-Cost, Home Internet with WiFi

Cox opens a world of opportunity for families that have a K-12 student and receive government assistance with low-cost, home internet for only $9.95 per month. Applicants must meet and verify the following requirements:

• Have at least one K-12 student living in the household
• Participate in one of the following: the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), SNAP, TANF pr Public Housing

Google Fiber

With up to 1,000 megabits per second, do whatever you want, whenever you want. Whether you're broadcasting live, uploading your photos, sharing huge files, or video chatting in HD, our symmetrical upload and download speed gives you all the power you'll need and then some. No installation fees, rental fees, or hidden fees of any kind. Choose the plan that's best for you without worry. Google Fiber is currently available in:

Google Fiber Locations

PCs for People

PCs for People provides affordable computers and low-cost internet eligible individuals and nonprofits. Laptops start at $100 and Desktops start at $75. As a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, they are able to provide computers with licensed copies of Windows 10. The same proof of eligibility you provide for internet can be used to get a laptop or desktop. Through Mobile Beacon, PCs for People's users will be able to use an unlimited 4G LTE data-only plan with no data caps or throttling. The data plan is subject to a network management policy. They also offer:

• Low-Cost Mobile Internet
• Affordable Computer Repair
• Refurbished Desktop & Laptop Computers

AT&T

Are you or someone in your household a SNAP participant? Are you a California resident and does at least one member of your household receive SSI benefits? If so, you could qualify for low-cost home Internet under the Access program from AT&T. AT&T is making it easier to connect to friends, family, and the things that matter most. AT&T is offering low-cost wireline home Internet service to qualifying households with at least one resident who participates in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), other conditions also apply.

Mediacom

Mediacom offers a simple, affordable way to help students get quality home internet. If your child qualifies for free or reduced school lunches (NSLP), you could qualify for discounted home internet. The internet is essential for successful learning and Mediacom wants to help families with K-12 students get connected.

Altice Advantage Internet

Brought to you by Optimum and Suddenlink. You may qualify for Altice Advantage Internet if you or a member of your household are: Eligible for or participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); or New York City resident and attends a New York City public school; or Eligible for or receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and 65 years of age or older.

Philadelphia

Comcast has launched a pilot program of its low-cost Internet Essentials program for low-income Philadelphia senior citizens. There are nearly 200,000 citizens in Philadelphia who are 65 or older, and this is the first time they've had access to Comcast's Internet Essentials, which includes download Internet speeds up to 10 Mbps, free Wi-Fi router, access to free digital literacy training, and option to purchase a computer for less than $150. Monthly prices can be as low as $9.95. Philadelphia residents can apply by calling 1-855-848-6348.

Cheap Internet for Washington Low-income Residents

InterConnection is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that makes information and communication technology accessible to under-served communities around the world. Qualified low-income individuals and families can gain access to technology through their innovative online store. They accomplish this mission by providing high-quality refurbished computers to nonprofit and non-governmental organizations.

BroadbandNow

Find every Internet provider in your Area! BroadbandNow takes the tedious hassle of searching for the best Internet access prices in your local area. See plans, prices, and ratings for every internet provider in your area. BroadbandNow spent years, collecting and analyzing internet providers coverage and availability to make the most accurate zip code search available. Their goal is to give you an all inclusive answer to the question of: "What internet providers are available in my area or at my address?"

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Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2018, October 21 - Last revised: 2023, September 15). Cheap Internet for Disabled, Seniors and Low-Income Americans. Disabled World. Retrieved October 6, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/communication/high-speed-internet.php

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