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The internet has become a very valuable resource, especially during the pandemic. People have been working remotely, students continued learning, people were connected in spite of being confined to their own homes.
Now the US government is taking steps in partnership with the private sector, to make high speed internet service more accessible at a discounted price, or even free!
“High speed internet is not a luxury any longer. It is a necessity,” President Joe Biden said on Monday as he explained the program, in which 20 internet companies have agreed to provide discounted service to low-income households. The participating companies cover areas in which 80% of the US population live.
The president also spoke briefly about what internet access has looked like, giving an example of how families drove to McDonald’s parking lots for their children to have Wi-Fi in order to do their homework.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $14.2 billion is allocated for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The program works by providing government assistance to eligible households – up to $30 worth of internet service discount every month: up to $70 worth monthly for eligible households on qualified tribal lands.
To qualify, a household’s income should be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household is eligible for programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Almost 40% of the US population, or tens of millions of households, may be eligible.
If the qualified household signs up with one of the 20 participating internet providers, the government assistance could cover the entire service cost for a monthly plan of 100 megabits per second.
The 20 internet service companies include: Allo Communications, Alta Fiber (and Hawaiian Telecom), Altice USA (Optimum and Sudden Link), Astound, AT&T, Breezeline, Comcast, Comporium, Frontier, IdeaTek, Cox Communications, Jackson Energy Authority, Mediacom, MLGC, Spectrum (Charter Communications), Starry, Verizon (Fios only), Vermont Telephone Company, Vexus Fiber, and Wow (Internet, Cable and TV).
For those interested in applying for this benefit, the number to call is 877-384-2575 or check online at getinternet.gov.
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