5 ways to get cheap internet - including low-income programs
TRANSCRIPT
Includes special subsidized programsfor low-income Americans
Five great ways to get cheap internet
Who’s online in America?!And who’s not?
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25%
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1997 2000 2001 2003 2007 2009 2010 2011
Computer usage at homeInternet usage at home
Computer and internet usage at home over time
Computer and internet usage is increasing. ""
But this general growth hides a disparity among the haves and have-nots.""
The bad news is…
First,!the good news
Home internet usage drops as household income drops.""
Individuals in those households also have less access out of the home.
Low-income Americans have!less access
Low-income decreases internet access
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April
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82.50%
51.5%
72.8%
Households with internet at home
Individuals with internet access somewhere
Under $50,000 a year
Under $50,000 a year
$50,000 a year and over
$50,000 a year and over
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Computer Use at Home Internet Use at Home
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Computer and internet usage by race & ethnicity
Race and ethnicity are huge factors in rates of computer and internet usage.""
Blacks and hispanic usage is far lower than white and Asian.
The dramatic impact of race and ethnicity
How can low-income!Americans get online?
Internet Essentials: For households with students who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. $9.95/month.
Special internet access programs have been set up just for low-income Americans. The primary providers are:
Internet Basics: For those who meet low-income levels or are on government assistance (SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, etc.). $9.95/month.
Connect2Compete: Various inexpensive plans offered.
CHEAPINTERNET.COM
Three primary programs
If ineligible for a low-income program, there are other inexpensive programs that could meet the needs of many struggling Americans looking to get online without the high cost.
FreedomPop: 10GB data @ 1.5 Mbps for $9.95/month
NetZero: Unlimited data @ 768 Mbps for $9.95/month
In addition, there are other misc inexpensive programs
CHEAPINTERNET.COM
Other low-cost programs
Anyone can get free monthly internet service from companies like NetZero, FreedomPop and others. There are strict usage limits, but these are great options for those with low-use requirements.
There’s also free internet
FreedomPop: 1GB data @ 1.5 Mbps, no monthly cost
NetZero: 200MB mobile data @ 4G speed, no monthly cost
Other plans are coming online in the future
• Lifeline Assistance, the “free government cell phone” program, will soon offer needy Americans broadband access at a low, subsidized price.""
• Currently being tested across the country, it should be rolling out in 2014.""
• An estimated 20 million have Lifeline cell phones. How many of them will also get cheap internet?
Coming soon: Cheap government internet?
And the best news of all is that government-subsidized internet programs are on the way.
• Subsidized programs: Internet Essentials, Internet Basics, & Connect2Compete""
• Inexpensive or free programs:Low-use plans from NetZero and FreedomPop.""
• Coming soon: Lifeline program to offer broadband internet
Many cheap and free options now available to choose from
A quick review of the programs:
