Communications - Phone/Computer
Daniel Boone Regional Library
Columbia Library: 100 West Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
Southern Boone County: 109 Main St, Ashland, MO 65010
Columbia Hours: 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Friday, 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Saturday, 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Sunday
Southern Boone Hours: 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:00a.m-3:00p.m. Friday and Saturday
Columbia: 573-443-3161, Ashland 573-657-7378
Fax: Columbia 573-499-0191
contact https://www.dbrl.org/contact
https://www.facebook.com/yourdbrl/
Services: The library provides computers for word processing, checking your email and accessing the internet. There is no charge to use these computers, but you need an active Daniel Boone Regional Library card or a guest card (for patrons who live outside the service area). The library’s computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free hotspot rentals!
Eligibility: Open to citizens of Boone and Callaway Counties
Intake Procedures: Call Outreach Department for mail, bookmobile, and shut-in service; walk-in or phone for other services
Required Documentation for Services: Proof of residency required for library card, some services available without a library card (reference services, magazines & newspapers, tax forms, etc.) Adults can apply online: www.dbrl.org/library-card-application
Foreign Languages Spoken: Spanish is spoken by some staff
Low Cost Internet Providers:
CenturyLink Lifeline
https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/lifeline.html
Lifeline is the FCC's program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service purchased from participating providers. The discounts, which can be applied to stand-alone broadband, bundled voice-broadband packages - either fixed or mobile - and/or stand-alone voice service, help ensure that low-income consumers can afford state-of-the-art Broadband and the access it provides to jobs, education and opportunities.
The Lifeline discount may be used for voice or qualified broadband service, but not both.
Lifeline discounts on voice services are available to participants of both state and federally recognized aid programs.
Lifeline discounts on broadband services are available to participants of federally-recognized aid programs and is limited to certain broadband services. Broadband speeds must be 20 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.
Standard Lifeline—provides federal monthly support of up to $9.25. In some states, additional monthly support is also available
Mediacom
1211 Wilkes Blvd, Columbia, MO 65201
855-330-6918
Connect 2 Compete PLUS Program:
https://mediacomc2c.com/apply.aspx
Mediacom's Connect 2 Compete PLUS home internet offers low-cost (or no-cost) home internet service. Delivers internet download speeds up to 100 Mbps. No deposit, contract, data limits, installation or equipment fees.
$30 per month or $0 if you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Your home may qualify if:
Mediacom offers internet service in your community or area
You have at least one student in grades K-12 living at home
At least one child qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
You are not a current Mediacom internet customer and have NOT subscribed to our internet service in the past 90 days
You do not have an outstanding Mediacom bill or unreturned equipment
Affordable Connectivity Program:
https://mediacomcable.com/acp/
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal government benefit that provides qualifying households up to $30 per month toward their high-speed broadband charges.
What is the ACP benefit?
Up to $30 per month benefit toward home internet service
Up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands
Who is eligible?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
Household has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Participates in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline
Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
Spectrum Internet Assist
https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist.html
The Spectrum Internet Assist program provides reliable, high-speed internet access at an affordable price for those who qualify.
Eligible low-income households can receive discounted 30 Mbps high-speed internet, along with Security Suite and an internet modem, at no additional charge.
Spectrum Internet Assist requires no contracts, and as always, there are no data caps or hidden fees.
REQUIREMENTS: One or more members of your household must be a recipient of one of the following assistance programs:
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+ only)
Voluntary Action Center (VAC)
403A Vandiver Drive, Columbia, MO 65202
573-874-2273 Fax 573-874-9172
Services Provided: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon & 1 - 4 p.m. Appointments only on Mon, Tues, and Thur. Walk-ins Wed and Fri.
SERVICES: Financial Assistance with: Missouri Birth Certificates, Photo IDs, Prescriptions, Medical and Dental Copayments, Food Handler Cards required by employer, Baby Formula for WIC clients, Gas for work and medical appointments, Work Uniforms required for new employment, Car Repair for employed individuals, Rent and Motel Assistance (based on availability and grant guidelines)
In-Kind Assistance: Emergency Food, Hygiene Products, Feminine Hygiene Products, Household Cleaning Products, Diapers and Wipes, Go COMO Bus Tickets, Clothing Vouchers, Safe Kids Car Seat Vouchers
Seasonal Programs: Homes for Computers (school-age children), Window Air Conditioner Exchange, Summer Fans, Lunch in the Park (summer lunch for school-age children), Back to School Health Fair (school supplies for school-age children), Warm Up Columbia (winter clothing), Holiday Program (holiday gifts and meals)
ELIGIBILITY: Client must be a current Boone County resident and gross income for everyone living at the Address must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Low Cost Wireless Phones:
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless offers you our most generous cell phone plan yet — Assurance Wireless Unlimited. It combines our Lifeline service with the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) and, as of 12/31/21, its successor, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit, to give eligible customers Unlimited Data & Texts & Minutes, plus 10GB Mobile Hotspot Data.
Easy Wireless
2108 Paris Rd, Columbia, MO 65202
352-509-0260
Free unlimited talk, text, and data through the Affordable Care Program based on household income. Must be eligible for SNAP, Medicaid, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, Food Distribution Program on Indiana Reservations, Pell Grants, WIC, or National School Lunch Program.
MetroPCS
https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/?INTNAV=tNav:Metro
Unlimited talk, text, and data plans start at $40 per month
SafeLink Wireless
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome
SafeLink Wireless® is a LifeLine supported service, a government benefit program. Only eligible consumers may enroll in LifeLine. LifeLine service is non-transferable and limited to one per household. Documentation of income or program participation may be required for enrollment. SafeLink Keep Your Own Smartphone plan requires a compatible or unlocked Smartphone. Most GSM Smartphones are compatible. Offers vary by State and may not be available in all service areas.
Straight Talk
Unlimited talk, text, and data plans start at $35 per month