FCC program provides inexpensive internet service

AFFORDABLE INTERNET

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program;

• Participates in one of these assistance programs: Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools; SNAP; Medicaid; Federal Housing Assistance; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); WIC; and Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits.

Two Steps to Enroll

Go to GetInternet. gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.

Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.

Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask eligible subscribers to complete.

Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.

Consumers can choose a service plan that best meets their needs (including a plan they may already be on.

Which Internet Service Providers Are Participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Various internet providers are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Participating providers include Spectrum and Frontier, among others.

For more information, visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp. —from the Federal Communications Commission