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...