Cheap Internet Access. Communications companies like Comcast, Cox, AT&T, and Spectrum have linked with the FCC to help disadvantaged individuals and families gain access to cheap Internet plans. Find out how to get the Internet, low-cost computers, and free laptops through the affordable connectivity program.
Today with the popularity of streaming, viewers use their computers to access entertainment from hosts such as Netflix and Hulu, Pandora, and more. Most young people, as well as adults, use the Internet regularly. If you cannot afford these essential elements of technology, you may get left behind.
The Huffington Post stated this year in a January 26th article that 33% of Adults in America use the public library to access computers and the Internet. Many low-income families cannot afford either computers or the Internet. To these families and individuals owning a computer or the Internet is a luxury they cannot afford.
Every parent wants their children to have access to technology that will make it easier to succeed in school. The good news is now many communications companies offer a low introductory price for broadband and high-speed Internet. They also offer affordable refurbished computers and laptops to low-income families with children.
Cheap Internet Access
If you can not afford home internet service, you may be eligible for discount Internet service through the Lifeline Assistance program, which also sponsors free cell phones and services. Comcast, Cox, Connect2Compete, Century Link, and other companies participate with Lifeline to offer Internet discounts to low-income communities.
You qualify for discount high-speed Internet if you receive assistance from government programs such as SNAP, TANP, Medicaid, Section 8, Free Lunch Program. Find out more about low-cost internet access.
Also Low-Cost Computers
If you have a child in elementary or college, you understand the importance of having a computer and the Internet to access the information they need to do well in school. Students can go to the Public Library to do school projects, but at most libraries, the time limit to one computer is one hour daily. Some initiatives provide discount computers and the Internet to those whose gross yearly income must be at or below 135% of Federal Poverty guidelines.
Comcast Discount Internet
A new computer can cost from $500 to over $1,000. Many low-income families can not afford this expense. Comcast’s Internet Essentials program offers income-qualified households basic high-speed online service for $10 monthly. Comcast offers refurbished computers for as low as $150 if you need an affordable computer or laptop. With the purchase of a computer, you can also receive the following:
- Parental Control
- Antivirus by Norton Security
- The Internet for $9.95
Connect2Compete Offers Similar Benefits
Connect2Compete or C2C is a program that partners with major communications companies to help school-aged children from Kindergarten to 12 grade by providing Internet and computers to needy children.
- Affordable computers loaded with Microsoft Office and windows
- 90-day tech support for computers
- High-Speed broadband – $9.95 a month
- Refurbished computers starting at – $150
- Classes from Geek Squad
The FCC Making Cheap Internet Access Available
The FCCs is working to make affordable internet access available to anyone in the United States who is qualified and desires it. Low-income families without computers or internet access miss essential economic and social opportunities.
Some benefits that are only accessible by the Internet, like applying for a job, loan, college, etc. Sadly, we are behind many other countries in making these services accessible to everyone. Children who do not have computers and broadband Internet in the home must work harder to complete school assignments when they have to locate this technology elsewhere.
Those without computers may also need computer operations training, such as sending an email, adding an attachment, or using a search engine. The communication companies providing these discounts understand the need for computer training and offer it with every discount computer purchased. If you are interested in getting help go to the websites below.
Free Internet Stations
There is also free municipal broadband available in 51 U.S. states. Municipal broadband deployments are broadband Internet access services provided either fully or partially by local governments. (Wikipedia.com). Certain municipalities offer a free wireless connection in specific areas throughout the city, where you use a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You have access to the following stores in just about every town in America:
- Staples
- Starbucks
- McDonald’s
- CompUSA
- Apple Store
- Office Depot
- Barns & Nobles
- Pandora Bread
- Caribou Coffee
- Courtyard by Marriott
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