New CenturyLink Internet Basics subsidized internet program

Would you like to have high speed internet at home but can’t afford it? A new program from CenturyLink called Internet Basics offers high speed internet for $10/month, a laptop computer for $150, and free internet training, for people who receive benefits from DSHS, such as food stamps. The Internet Basics program was created because when CenturyLink acquired Qwest, the Federal Communications Commission signed off on the merger so long as CenturyLink agreed to help low-income households get online. This program is similar to the "Internet Essentials" program that Comcast launched in August, however many more people are eligible because CenturyLink’s eligibility requirement is only that you receive DSHS benefits, rather than Comcast's eligibility requirement of having a child who receives free school lunch.
Participants in the Internet Basics program will receive:
• Fast home Internet for just $9.95 a month + taxes and fees
• A low-cost netbook computer available at initial enrollment for just $150 + tax
• Access to free Internet training, in print or in person

Your household is eligible to participate if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Reside where CenturyLink offers Internet service
• Have not subscribed to CenturyLink Internet service within the last 90 days and are not a current CenturyLink Internet customer
• Do not have an overdue CenturyLink bill or unreturned equipment
Participate in any of the following DSHS programs: Food stamps (or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State Family Assistance, Refugee Assistance, Specific Medical Programs, DSHS Chore Services/COPES, Medicare Cost Share Programs
You must provide a copy of a program identification card or other social service agency documentation showing current participation for each program checked above.

Note that there is a one-time activation fee of $20. The download speed is up to 1.5 Mbps for $10 a month. Faster speeds are also available as part of the program, such as up to 7 Mbps for $15 a month or up to 12 Mbps for $20 a month. You must sign a 1 year contract to participate in the Internet Basics program. You must sign a 2 year contract in order to get the discounted $150 computer, and pay a $15 shipping and handling fee. If you cancel service before the end of the contract you will be charge a prorated early termination fee up to $200. The modem is free for one year, after which you will be charged a modem lease rate of $6 per month, or may purchase a modem for $100, plus $15 shipping and handling. If you cannot install the modem yourself, you will be charged a $50 installation fee for 1 computer or $100 for a networking installation of up to 5 computers. The first bill will include charges for the first full month of service billed in advance, prorated charges for service from the date of installation to bill date, and all one-time charges and fees. To apply for CenturyLink Internet Basics Call 1-866-541-3330 or visit their website centurylink.com/internetbasics.

Not sure whether to participate in CenturyLink Internet Basics or Comcast Internet Essentials? Here’s what we think: Both Comcast and CenturyLink offer 1.5 Mbps internet for $10 a month, and an optional computer for a $150. But, Comcast does not require a contract and there is no activation fee, no price increases after the first year, no installation fee, shipping and handling fees, or equipment rental fees. So Comcast is clearly the better deal, but only people with kids who receive free school lunch are eligible. Therefore we suggest that if you are eligible for Comcast Internet Essentials, chose their program, their number is 1-855-846-8376 and their website is internetessentials.com. But if you don’t have kids who get free school lunch, go with CenturyLink Internet Basics, as it is still a much better deal than full price internet service. Here is the Washington State Internet Basics Application.