As school is gearing up to re-open, as more people work from home full or part time, and as we become more dependent on the Internet for just daily usage, families are finding that having access to the Internet is critical.
The Colorado Broadband office through the Federal Communications Commission is offering a broadband assistance program to help connect families and households struggling to afford Internet service.
First off, what are the benefits? The program allows a $30/month discount for Internet service or $75/month discount for households on qualifying tribal lands. There is also a onetime discount of up to $100 for a laptop or desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider.
How can you sign up for the program and who is eligible?
Participants are eligible for the program if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Their household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
- They are participating in an assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, WIC, or SSI, the free or reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program, or they have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year. Tribal members should participate in one of the tribe’s programs such as TANF, BIA General Assistance, Food Distribution or Tribal Head Start.
Interested parties should go to www.affordableconnectivity.gov and submit an application. Then, they also need to contact their preferred provider to make sure the provider participates in the program and select and eligible plan so the discount may be applied to their bill. Some providers may also have an alternative application that will need to be completed. Eligible households must apply for both the program and contact the Internet provider.
As an employer, please pass this information to your staff members. We ask that you post this information in a break room or bulletin board for your staff to take advantage of. If employees can access this benefit, communication as an employer may also become easier for you.
Questions about the program can be directed to www.fcc.gov/acp or by calling (877) 384-2575.