Comparing Low-Cost Internet Providers

A comparison of low cost internet services * comcast CenturyLink" Internet Essentials Internet Basics Call 1-855-846-8376 Call 1-866-541-3330 http://www.internetessentials.com http://centurylink.com/home/internetbasics Eligibility Verification Low-income families with students who qualify for free lunch (annual verification required) Any household who qualifies for Lifeline/TAP phone service programs; (annual verification required) ** Have no overdue bills, equipment Stipulation Have no overdue bills, equipment returns or internet service returns or internet service subscriptions within the last 90 days subscriptions within the last 90 days Continuation As long as student remains in approved free lunch program (eligible up through high school) Qualifying customers may keep CenturyLink Internet Basics for up to 5 years after activation Charges $9.95 (+ tax) Monthly Cost $9.95 (+ tax and fees) $0.00 Other Fees $1.99 monthly recovery fee (tax) Prorated up to $200 Early Termination Fee $200.00 $0.00 on installation, activation, and equipment rental fees $0 for self installation $49.95 for one computer Installation Fee $0.00 Modem Lease $0.00 for first 12 months $5.95 beginning 13th month $238.80 Cost For 2 Years $377.91 Without tax, laptop, installation costs Without tax, laptop, installation costs Laptop Available $149.99 + tax Cost $150.00 + tax & shipping Refurbished netbook Hardware Details Netbook Limit 1 machine per household Netbook paid in full to be shipped Windows Starter 7 Software Details Windows Starter 7 Anti-virus protection for 1 year No anti-virus protection on laptop Connectivity Up to 1.5 Mbps Download Speed Up to 1.5 Mbps * Summary as of January 2012; may be subject to change ** Lifeline information at http://lifeline.gov/lifeline_consumers.html Produced by Bryan Dosono for the City of Seattle