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All cable companies to offer broadband to poor families for just $9.95 per month.

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association just announced that it will begin offering discounted, high-speed internet service for just $9.95 per month to families whose children qualify for free lunches at their schools.

While it’s not a free program like the Lifeline Assistance free cell phone program, it certainly makes broadband far more affordable than it’s been in the past.

This is fantastic news for the 5,500,000 American families who are eligible. And the vast majority will be able to take advantage since the service area covers over 86% of the population and reaches all 50 states. The only bad news is that the offer won’t begin until the spring of 2012.

About 35 million homes don’t yet have broadband. Of course, the lack of internet access hinders people’s ability to find and apply for jobs online and even to take advantage of the many educational opportunities available online.

The program is called Connect-to-Compete. And it includes a broad range of companies in addition to the cable companies. For example, Microsoft is pledging to sell PCs loaded with software for just $250 to low-income families. Redemtech, another participant, will offer refurbished computers for just $150. If a family can’t afford even those low prices, Morgan Stanley has come up with a special lending program that it’s offering to community-based financial institutions.

And the news just keeps getting better and better. Best Buy, Microsoft and nonprofits such as America’s Promise Alliance and United Way say they will support Connect-to-Compete with computer training programs.

All major cable companies will offer the $9.95 per month program for a minimum of 1 Mbps download speed. That doesn’t include taxes, but the companies say they will also offer free installation and free modems.

Eligible families must (1) have at least one student enrolled in the Free School Lunch Program; (2) not be a current subscriber to broadband (or have subscribed in the last 90 days); and (3) not have an overdue bill or unreturned equipment to the participating service provider.

Participating Internet service providers include: Bend Cable, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Charter, Comcast (via Internet Essentials), Cox Communications, Eagle Communications, GCI, Insight, Mediacom, Midcontinent, Sjoberg’s Cable, Suddenlink, and Time Warner Cable.

Also click through to the site, “Cheap Internet” page to read about other free or inexpensive broadband plans.

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Comments

  1. Hi I have the free government phone and nutritional assistance program food stamps card. Do you guys have free home Wi-Fi internet for low-income families? If so how would I apply??

    Reply

  2. States one per household but if theres2 ppl receiving benefits but not related just living in same house but other person refuses to share ? It seems unfair

    Reply

    • There is no low-income cable TV program, Crystal. Low-income internet, yes. Low income cable tv, no.

      Reply

  4. Why is it that all roads lead to nowhere? I searched for gov internet program, lifeline. And that was two hours ago, is there anyone who can actually help me?

    Reply

    • Oh, you have come to the right place, Carolyn. We have another website, CheapInternet.com, that specializes in low-income internet plans from a wide array of service providers. Here’s where you can find it:

      https://www.cheapinternet.com

      Reply

  5. I am student I don’t work I would like to have access to Internet I am 19 and i will like to continue my schooling while taking care of my daughter and it showed I can qualify if u have medicaid and i do

    Reply

  7. Hi! I’ve been trying to get low income internet for about a year now. I know about Spectrum’s because I tried to get theirs but I don’t just get ssi but I’m retired also. I use my retirement money to help pay for some of my mom’s bills. I don’t really get much money either. I did call about Internet essentials and I was told that they will be expanding but I don’t know when. If you can let me know about anything please do. I appreciate it! Thank you! Cynthia Wysocki

    Reply

  9. We have a son that has CP and is enrolled in k12 so he is not with a lunch program how do we fund out if we can be enrolled in this peogram

    Reply

  10. Already have low income Internet service threw cox will that discwalefy me from applying for low income cable or landline service

    Reply

    • That’s not true, Jennifer. The low-income internet plans offered by the cable TV companies do NOT disqualify you from having a Lifeline free government cell phone account. Many people have both.

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  11. I have asked cox from the beginning for any programs that help families i was told no numerous times and only to find out u do help I have been struggling to pay my cable and internet and being charged the highest rate on my internet very disppointed that i was not offered thus program . It’s sad that o can’t even talk to anyone in your office … I found put u can help pls is there a number I can talk yo some one

    Reply

    • We’re not Cox, Marlene. This is an independent informational website that’s NOT affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies nor any of the low-income internet service providers. If you want to know more about those low-income internet plans, here’s a link to an article at our other website, CheapInternet.com:

      http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet

      Most people (depending on where they live) are able to find one or two options that fit their specific needs.

      Reply

  12. Ive applied 3 different times with connect to compete.its been a hassle still cant get my application right. Lets just make this process impossible

    Reply

    • You have several other options, Sherrie. Go over to our other website, CheapInternet.com, which specializes in low-income internet plans. Here’s a link to all those programs:

      http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet

      Pay particular attention to two programs: PCS for People and 4GCommunity. They don’t work quite like the other programs and will both cost you some upfront money, but the overall cost is really very affordable.

      Reply

  19. Lilia Arteaga
    Account #001861002218******
    I, got internet for my son to do his homework through Cox cable from a program called Connect 2 Compete. They told me and I also read that there would be no deposit, no contracts, no installation free, and no modem rental fees. I received my bill and I got charged for wifi modem dual band rental fee $9.99. I called Cox and was told they could not take it off. That they would not be able to fix the problem on my bill. Now, what am I suppose to do.

    Reply

    • You’re on the wrong website, Lilia. This is FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and you need to visit our other site, CheapInternet.com. But since you’re here we’ll go ahead and answer your question.

      You are correct that Cox advertises no model rental fee. Are you saying that the fee is in addition to the $9.95 per month you are charged for the Cox low-income internet plan? If so, you should visit the Cox website, find where it says “no modem charges” and call customer service again. If the rep will not remove the modem rental fee, ask to speak to a supervisor. Good luck.

      Reply

  20. Let me ask a question. JUST HOW IS THIS FAIR AND RIGHT TO OTHERS?!?!?!?! This is government poverty welfare. So rude and disrespectful!!! I am so sick of money coming out of my paycheck that I did not authorize to come out.?

    Reply

  22. Bright House (Orlando Florida 32839)offered Internet. Can not be able to use at all I called them they offer me in new offer that I have to pay $20 extra it is good to some people that can afford that but when you have a situation that you cannot afford more than $10. I called but I’ve been told that they cannot do anything just offer me a new offer. :/ really? Was not the purpose of this program to succeed to people of low income?

    Reply

  23. I receive disability have 13 yr son does work online I am not able to afford high price Internet who do I need to contact?

    Reply

  24. I’d like to recieve info. on free or low cost broadband for my computer in my apt. here in Chico, CA 95926

    Thanks for you time.
    Sincerely in Christ,
    Byron

    Reply

  27. I know a family in Detroit area that has two kids and are on the lunch program. They do not have a phone jack in there trailer. so how can they get the computer set up so the kids can do their school work.

    Reply

      • How do I sign up for free or low internet services? I have Atlantic broadband, but can not keep up with the bill. My daughters home work requires using the internet. My service is about to be turned off and ive been trying to get a phone through the state. I am disable and my income is very low. I have the home phone in which is on the plan, again its about to be shut off. I had a free goverment phone a couple of years ago and could not reach anyone to let them know the phone no longer worked, Ive been trying to get a free phone since. PLease help if you can direct me into the right place….thank you

        Reply

  28. My prayers are answered! I am delighted to find out about this program. Now my grandchildren will have a better chance to be sure successful citizens. Although very young I try my best to help them. I really could not afford to give them internet. Now I can help with the monthly fees. Thank you. I do believe in miracles. This is a miracle. I have prayed for this. In fact I felt selfish for asking God to provide cheaper internet. I wake up this morning and I google my prayer requests. Then I was directed to this site. Miracles do happen. This is definitely a miracle. Thanks all who help this make this happen. I also thank you on behalf of my grandchildren.

    Reply

  29. I want to apply for the $9.99 internet with connect to compete, but you need a offer code and my childs school never heard of the program. Where can I get an offer code?

    Reply

  30. Since my pay check is being depleted by all these government benefits that aid the NON-Working people, I’d like to have some of these freebies. I can’t afford to pay my mortgage, my gas, water,electric, my internet, my cell phone and for the upkeep of my property. You people are draining me! LAZY AMERICANS!!!!

    Reply

    • To Barb in Ohio: I certainly will pray for you, and hope one day you are not disabled to the point you are on oxygen and have very little time left to live, relying on the meager social security benefits you paid for while working, and certainly hope you dont have to read hurtful and unjust comments like you have posted. I would give anything just to have my health back so I could work and do all those things in life people like you take for granted.

      Reply

    • You don’t know others’ circumstances. You don’t know that child’s father walked out, never sees kids and refuses to pay child support and medical expenses, all ordered by the court. Or that father keeps taking mother to court over made-up charges that are never proven. Father knows charges are false but messed up system allows father to file again and again, the same fake charges, only to force mother to pay attorney and no consequences for father. It’s a game to make those in the system wealthy. If the legal system worked parents would waste there money in court and would have money for other items. Kids school assigns a lot of online homework, online textbook access, etc. Kids today are expected to look online for class work. Trying to provide kids with decent education so they have a good life, despite the absent father. Don’t judge others until you have stood in there shoes. I had a great job and a huge savings until a doctor messed up during surgery and left me perm. disabled. My savings has gone to the stupid court system. So don’t assume everyone who needs help is lazy and unmotivated. Hope you’re never down on your luck and need temporary help.

      Reply

    • Hey barb, thanks for paying for my lazy american ass. I mean why woukd my children deserve free lunch or insurance via the fed government. I mean its not like I was hit by a drunk driver in a tractor trailer, mind you he was from Mexico here illegally with a fake drivers license, and I was only sitting at a red light on my way to be with two friends who were already in a horrible accident and were in surgery while I was working to support my family as I had done for only a few 16 years. I mean altho my lazy ass still gets up without disability, and tries to work daily, but I am limited now, having went from the 5 bedroom home downtown to a trailer and asking for help to Just get by is so easy for me. The 2 ruptured disc and 2 buldged disc that are pinching my nerves, and causing the pain into my legs, hips, and feet is only to get a cheap cable provider. I mean the fact I have 75 k in dr bills still as the tractor trailer had only 30 k of insurance and that was a bit under the required million, but the 30 was ate up the first night my wife and I and our 2 passengers flew to the local trama center. But I can see how my lazy american ass would be wrong for accepting your money as your only sleeping now most likely as I lay awake in pain every night unable to sleep more than 2 hours a day. Yeah I pray you can always have your health to be able to complain about us p.o.s’s that suck you dry. I bet you smoke and most like have a healthy addiction, thus the inability to use a clear mind and realize not everyone is picking to be in this situation. Yes some do, and for that, let thier creator judge, but unless you can say with a serious mug that your perfect, I’d shut up and be greatful you have a car, home, internet, phone and so on to strugle to pay for in the first place. May god be with you, and bless everyone whom is truly in need so they can provide for thier children and allowe them to be productive members of society…..

      Reply

  32. i am on disability and would really love to know if there is anyway i can get the free cell phone, the $9.98 high-speed internet, and have them bundled with directv. i already get directv-big package and i have a free government cell phone that i really like. but if i could use my smart phone with verizon for free, that would be the bomb!! my fear is caused by the fact that there is an individually-owned phone company that seems it has a monopoly on phone service here-richton and surrounding areas-ms 30476, and probably also on land-line internet. i will be keeping this in my prayers!!! i really appreciate all your time and HELP!! sincerely,
    vanessa ****– *****@gmail.com

    9!
    if a bundle isn’t possible, i would still be very happy with high-speed internet for $9.98 or so.
    i worry that all of these great offers will not be available here. i live in perry county, mississippi 39476-richton, ms. i’d love the bundle i mentioned earlier. if that becomes impossible, i still hope for, of course, at least

    Reply

  33. Why is it the opportunity’s for Internet access for the economically challenged is limited to those with children? President Clinton’s welfare reform act mandates people return to work within a specific period of time. It doesn’t say just those with kids. Then President Obama respond to the late-2000s recession, the primary objective for ARRA was to save and create jobs almost immediately. Secondary objectives were to provide temporary relief programs for those most impacted by the recession and invest in infrastructure, education, health, and ‘green’ energy. The approximate cost of the economic stimulus package was estimated to be $787 billion at the time of passage, later revised to $831 billion between 2009 and 2019.[1] The Act included direct spending in infrastructure, education, health, and energy, federal tax incentives, and expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions. Which brought us back to Tan-f and President Clinton’s Welfare Reform. Returning to work….you can’t mail in resume, you can’t walk in and fill our application, so how do you apply for jobs to get off the programs without computer access? There are physically disabled people that need this service AND DON’T HAVE CHILDREN but do meet the guidlines.

    Reply

  34. Hello,

    I’d like to know how to actually apply for this low-income internet. I have been researching a bit but I am not able to get to the actual application.

    Reply

  35. Why do people ask about free internet when the article describes the information? 1) Read the article careful to identify the requirements 2) Once you fulfill the requirements contact your internet service company if it is one LISTED IN THE ARTICLE to obtain the services.

    Reply
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