Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. | Governor.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. | Governor.pa.gov
Pennsylvanians, living with a low income, are reminded by state officials to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) so they can take advantage of a reduced cost of Internet services.
Gov. Tom Wolf made the reminder through a Dec. 28 release, saying that the ACP provides eligible residents with a monthly discount of up to $30 for their Internet costs. There is also a one-time $100 discount to help people buy a computer, whether it be laptop, desktop or a tablet. This program is through the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).
“The Affordable Connectivity Program is another opportunity to help us close the digital divide so that all Pennsylvanians can have Internet service,” Wolf said. “The need for reliable, at-home Internet service is essential, and this program aids more households in accessing the online resources they need for work, school and health care. I urge all eligible Pennsylvanians to apply for this program.”
One or more qualifications must be met to be eligible for the program. They include: eligible Pennsylvanians must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, meaning $27,180 per year for a single-member household and $55,500 for a four-person family; participation in a federal assistance program like SNAP or Medicaid, receiving a Pell grant in the last year; or if someone meets a participating provider’s low-income program already.
“More than 2 million households in Pennsylvania are eligible, but only 24%, approximately 490,000, are currently enrolled in the program,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) acting secretary Neil Weaver. “DCED joins Gov. Wolf in working to ensure that every eligible Pennsylvanian participates in the ACP and knows how to apply.”
The ACP is funded with $14.2 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which included $65 billion for broadband build-out nationwide.
To apply visit http://affordableconnectivity.com">affordableconnectivity.com to fill out necessary forms digitally or to be printed and mailed.
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