CenturyLink Internet Basics discounted service for lower income households.
CenturyLink offers reduced-cost home internet to qualifying low income households through its Internet Basics program. The service was originally launched to help families who cannot afford standard home broadband and it remains one of the longest-running low-income connectivity programs available from a major internet provider. Learn more about Internet Basics below as well as contact information.
The service is combined with Lifeline from the government as well as inexpensive computers (in some states) as well as free classes / computer training. CenturyLink provides that service in partnership with other local non-profits. The telecommunication company operates in several states and they provide internet and phone service to millions of customers.
Price and performance of the CenturyLink Internet Basics program
The purpose of Internet Basics is to make sure that families, seniors, and individuals facing financial hardship can obtain a dependable internet connection at a price they can sustain throughout the year. This is especially important for households with school-aged children, adults who need online access for medical care or employment searches, and seniors who rely on digital communication to stay connected. Internet Basics remains the company’s low-cost alternative for those who qualify.
The monthly rate begins around ten dollars for the base tier and may include standard taxes and government-required fees. The exact rate can vary depending on the location, the local infrastructure, and any state-specific surcharges. The discounted continues to be limited to the most affordable speeds in each region and minimum download performance starts around 1.5 Mbps, but can be higher where CenturyLink has expanded its network. Families who want more bandwidth can upgrade for a lower fee, though the discount only applies to the lowest-priced option.
CenturyLink operates in many states under the CenturyLink brand, with Lumen Technologies as the parent company. Households that cannot afford standard broadband may still be able to obtain discounted internet by combining CenturyLink’s low-income options with federal Lifeline. CenturyLink’s assistance overview is at https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/account/consumer-assistance-programs.html.
Some local partners, schools or libraries may still provide digital skills classes or a free desktop or laptop computer. Ask CenturyLink for any current referrals in your area and also check your public library system. Families that are given a free computer as part of Internet Basics will also be provided with free training on its use, as well as the software that comes with it.
Application criteria
The discounts are only offered to very low income customers, including those that meet poverty guidelines. They can also either meet income guidelines set by the company, or be on some form of public assistance. Examples of what may qualify someone include the recipient of SNAP food stamps, LIHEAP for energy bills, free school lunches, and several others. Of particular focus is on CenturyLink offering this service to families with children, as it can go a long way towards helping them in school.
In fact, many of the same application guidelines that are in place for Lifeline will also apply to Internet Basics. So if someone is already enrolled in those or other telephone discount plans, then more than likely they can also save money on high-speed internet coverage.
Any type of assistance will only last for one year. At that point in time the family will need to re-apply. Note that higher speeds may also be provided if the customer is willing to pay just a little more money. Any assistance is also for the primary home only, and there can only be one account per customer. If the applicant already has some form of service from them, then they will also not be qualified.
When applying, proof of income, identification for all household members, and proof any benefits will also need to be provided to the company. Internet Basics is focused only on the most needy in the community, and anyone seeking help from under an illegal application will need to reimburse CenturyLink.
For more information on the Internet Basics program, or to inquire about other discounts, call the company at 833-591-0933 or (866) 541-3330.
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