CLEAR network internet discount programs no longer enrolling new customers

Due to limited modems available, and the forthcoming Sprint transition to LTE technology, those internet discount programs that use the CLEAR WiMax network have have all stopped signing up new customers, this includes:

• Mobile Beacon 
• Interconnection (Mobile Citizen re-seller)
• FreedomPop 
• Mobile Citizen-EveryoneOn (stopped enrolling new customers last year)

EveryoneOn temporarily removed the Mobile Beacon and FreedomPop offers from their website on March 10th (the Mobile Citizen offer was removed from EveryoneOn on 6/26/14) and Interconnection is no longer signing up new subscribers for internet at their store.

Why is this happening?

Mobile Beacon, Interconnection (Mobile Citizen) and FreedomPop currently provide plans on the CLEAR 4G WiMAX network. As you may have heard, CLEAR was acquired by Sprint and Sprint is in the process of launching an enhanced nationwide 4G LTE network. Sprint has announced that they plan to decommission the WiMAX network by the end of 2015 and roll it into their 4G LTE network.

Because the timeline and cost of the new technology associated with this network has not been finalized, they have all decided it is in the best interest of the customers to temporarily suspend all new enrollments operating on the CLEAR network.

What does this mean for current customers?

1) All current EveryoneOn customers enrolled through Mobile Beacon, Mobile Citizen, and FreedomPop, and all Interconnection internet customers will remain enrolled in their plan.

2) Mobile Beacon, Mobile Citizen, and FreedomPop will still offer technical support to their current customers. EveryoneOn will continue to manage billing for Mobile Beacon and Mobile Citizen customers. Interconnection customers should continue to contact Mobile Citizen for technical support and Interconnection for billing issues.

3) Current customers should have already been notified by their internet provider that the CLEAR WiMax network will be turned off and rolled into Sprint's faster 4G LTE network by the end of 2015. At that point if you wish to continue your service you will need to obtain a new modem and service plan that is compatible with the new LTE network. While specific details on future costs and availability have not been finalized, when possible, EveryoneOn will work with current customers to obtain a new LTE device and service plan.

What internet discount programs are still available?

Comcast Internet Essentials offers low-income families cable internet for $10 per month. To qualify, you must meet ALL of the following: You have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days; You do not have outstanding Comcast debt that is less than one year old; You have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program (even if they are home-schooled, or in private or parochial school). If you have outstanding debt to Comcast that is older than one year old, you may still be eligible for Internet Essentials, and can have your debt forgiven through Comcast’s amnesty policy (you must apply by phone if you have Comcast debt).Apply for Comcast Internet Essentials by calling 1.855.8.INTERNET (1.855.846.8376) or apply online at apply.internetessentials.com

Centurylink Internet Basics offers DSL internet for $12 per month ($10 plus $2 broadband recovery fee). You are eligible if you receive benefits from DSHS (e.g., food stamps/SNAP, SSI, TANF, ABD, etc.) or if your income is below 135% of Poverty Level. Also, You cannot be a current CenturyLink Internet customer nor have been a CenturyLink Internet customer for the last 90 days. And you cannot have an overdue CenturyLink bill or unreturned equipment. There is a $30 activation fee, and you must sign a contract for at least one year. Faster speeds are also available, such as up to 7mbps for $15 a month, or up to 12mbps for $20 a month, plus $2 per month broadband recovery fee. After one year, monthly rates increase by $5 a month and a $8 per month modem rental fee is charged (unless you buy your own modem). Apply for CenturyLink Internet Basics online at centurylink.com/internetbasics or call 1.866.541.3330

EveryoneOn's Basic Internet offers 1.2GB at 4G speed, then unlimited internet at 3G speed for $10 per month OR 3.2GB at 4G speed; then unlimited 3G speed for $20 per month. They use T-Mobile's 4G internet data network. You need to purchase a 4G mobile hotspot from Basic Internet for $39. Note that there is an additional $20 shipping charge for the modem. Anyone who lives in a prequalified low-income zip code or is referred by an EveryoneOn partner agency (like Solid Ground) is automatically eligible. Apply for Basic Internet EveryoneOn online at everyoneon.org/solidground and select one of the Basic Internet offers.

Where can I find more information on internet discounts?

-Visit the ConnectUp website solid-ground.org/connectup
-Call ConnectUp at 206.694.6771 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 4 PM, or you can leave us a message anytime and we will call you back. See our recent blog post on ConnectUp program changes for more information on ConnectUp service reductions.