What Are the Best Low-Income Internet Options?

Choosing from a pool of internet options in a technologically sound country such as America can be a tedious task.

We’re not saying that just for the heck of it, there’s a whopping 2934 internet service providers, all currently active, present in the States. Of which 852 retain DSL capabilities, and make up the fattest chunk of our pie, and only 47 have upgraded to equip mobile broadband/LTE services.

Not all of us share the enthusiasm to link our devices with an internet that can offer nothing but the fastest speeds, lowest pings, and unlimited connections. Some of us want a bare-bones plan that can help us glide upon our daily work, get stuff done, and enjoy an internet that will empower a few hours of entertainment after a full day. A sound choice for low-income persons.

Owing to the need for an internet that strips itself free from fancy perks and doesn’t burn a hole right through your wallet, we’re here, at your service, with a listicle that details some of the best internet options out there. Particularly those that stay well under the radar and help sustain individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.

So, without further ado, let’s sift through our inventory!

Current Status of Internet Services in the USA

As aforementioned, there are about 2934 companies offering internet services in the US. Let’s go ahead and flesh the stats out:

Even when there is a staggering number of providers, about 25 million Americans are still deprived of reliable broadband that can punch beyond download speeds of 25 Mbps.

Shocker, right?

Goes to show how it's not just a numbers game. There are multiple facets to successfully emerging as a viable internet service and therefore, multiple equivalent hiccups in tandem that hinder this ultimate goal.

But all is not lost. Especially for you, dear friend. Because we have a few tips & tricks up our sleeve that can help make even the most expensive, premium options out there within an arm’s reach. If you know how to play your cards right. Let’s cut to the chase.

Government Initiatives

The United States federal, state, and local run governments have a tasteful bunch of options when it comes to internet connectivity. Provided you have the proper documentation to back you up for it, of course.

For example, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government-sponsored initiative that could save you an extra thirty bucks per month on your internet service. In order to qualify for ACP, at least one person in your household will have to:

• Qualify for the Lifeline Program.
• Be approved for the National Security Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
• Have received a Pell Grant.

Once all these prerequisites are met, you can then sign up for the ACP.

The only catch is that the ACP is offered as an attachment to an existing plan from a reliable internet company. In that regard, a viable internet service provider such as Spectrum offers the ACP alongside its own tantalizing deals.

For more information, simply give Spectrum Internet Customer Service a holler and get up to speed on how to avail of the ACP, regardless of whether you’re an existing customer or a freshie.

Lifeline Program

After skimming through so much info, it's only natural that your mind feels a little discombobulated at the mention of another, smaller program. That’s okay though. The Lifeline Program is a simplified checklist for figuring out if you should gather your documents for signing up for ACP.

The program is backed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and gives subscribers at least $9.25 per month off on their choice of broadband, landline, or wireless phone service.

This benefit gets beefed up even more if you reside in government-recognized tribal lands. Residents of such areas get an additional $25 slashed off their bill bringing the total discount to a tasty figure of $34.95. So you see, when it rains, it pours.

Point to Note: Only one Lifeline discount is claimable per household and that too for phone OR internet service. Play your cards wisely.

ConnectHomeUSA Program

Fired up in 2015, the ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA) Program aims to bridge the digital divide for low income families through a strategic partnership between Urban Development (HUD) and the US Department of Housing.

If you’re a family that has taken advantage of HUD-assisted housing, CHUSA may be your ticket to bagging yourself an ACP pass. Today, around 80 communities find themselves underneath CHUSA’s umbrella with many more in the pipeline.

The program serves as a fantastic gateway for families with working-class adults and school-going children to avail of internet services at record-low rates. To connect with CHUSA, review the three tiers of engagement for communities below:

• Tier 1: This applies to communities who have an idea of diversity, inclusion and are actively seeking to bridge the digital divide. If eligible, HUD would be open to accepting up to 100 communities who fall in this category.
• Tier 2: Communities who are already included in CHUSA.
• Tier 3: CHUSA communities who have passed a significant number of milestones.

HUD’s commitment to excellence and government programs like ACP are geared to digitally augment families vis-à-vis those who do not apply for the program.

Low-Income Internet Programs Offered Directly by Internet Providers

A substantial number of ISPs offer to take matters into their own hands and lay out their own assistance programs for struggling families that would normally not be able to afford internet services.

If all else fails, consider checking out your preferred provider’s affordable internet deals.

To help you get started, here’s a look out three top companies operating inside the U.S and their budget-friendly initiatives:

Optimum - Altice Advantage Internet 

Optimum lets its customers sign up for the Altice Advantage internet, which sets them back by $14.99 for 30 Mbps per month.

Take note that Altice Advantage is only available to those who have a child eligible for NSLP, receive Supplemental Security Income (only for those aged 65 and beyond) or are US military veterans.

Spectrum – Internet Assist Program

Similar in structure to Optimum’s Altice Advantage, the Internet Assist program offered exclusively by Spectrum provides users with up to 30 Mbps for $14.99 per month. The nasty twist to the tale is that if users want WIFI they’re going to have to pay an extra five bucks each month.

Additionally, this offer is applicable for the initial twelve months and is devoid of data caps and contracts. To extract more information from the ISP, contact Spectrum on their toll-free number or visit their website for further details.

Xfinity – Internet Essentials Program

Xfinity stays ahead of the curve by setting up its offer on the affordable Internet Essentials Program at just $9.95 per month. Specifically designed to provide a means of connectivity for students, seniors, and low-income families, the program gives users access to speeds of up to 25 Mbps and free in-home WIFI.

To sweeten the pot, Xfinity even throws in a low-budget laptop for $149.

How awesome is that?!

To be linked with Internet Essentials, all customers need to do is fill in an appropriate application on the company’s website and wait for approval.

To Conclude

Well folks, that’s a wrap on our rummaging through low-income internet options for families running on a tight budget. If you find yourself in a pinch, don’t hesitate to have a run through our pointers. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Invest in an internet that lets you take a breather every now and then.