Three Low-Cost Mobile Broadband Options Address Digital Divide

Three options to provide low-cost or free mobile phone and broadband service have crossed my desk recently. These service plans described below are available for people with a low-income or are trying to save money.

Low-income individuals and families strive to stay connected in order to communicate with friends and families, as well as interact with organizations and businesses to support their livelihood. One of the skills for those people seeking jobs, includes communicating with potential employees using an Internet-connected computer to fill out applications and by phone to arrange interviews. Persistent access to a phone and an Internet-connected computer is a minimum requirement for most people to land a job.

But with the annual cost for a mobile phone on average at $600 and the annual cost for home-based broadband Internet service between $480 and 665 in Missouri, a person with a low income may find it difficult to seek employment, connect with their social network or participate in civil society matters.

Life Wireless - This service was introduced by a board member of Connecting for Good, though not on behalf of the organization. Life Wireless offers free phones and 125 minutes of talk and texting for eligible participants as part of the federal government's Lifeline Program. Eligible participants include those individuals making 135% of the federal poverty income level.

FreedomPop announced a $4.58 monthly cell phone service this week with a unlimited talk and text, along with a 500 megabyte 4G data plan without a contract with 24 months billed on one payment of $110. The plan is available to anyone regardless of income level. The company also offers a free mobile phone service. Check the site for terms and coverage.

MobileBeacon is offering a very low-cost 4G mobile Internet service at $10 a month for 12 months with a single annual payment of $120. The service is only available from Techsoup, the largest tech organization of its type serving mainly 501(c)3 non-profit groups.

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