

So participants in the new program may pay less or receive free subsidized internet, even with the lower subsidy. “If have the more affordable plan that works for you, you can choose it,” AARP’s Kahsai says.

Nutrition labels on food inspired the move.
CHEAP HIGH SPEED WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE DOWNLOAD
It also requires companies to provide standard labeling for internet download and upload speeds, monthly service costs, taxes, and any equipment and other fees. These are complaints that some beneficiaries had about their carriers under the old program. Transparency. The new program prohibits upselling - telling customers that they can’t use the benefit on their older, less expensive data plans - or requirements for extended service contracts.

Alaska, New Mexico and Oklahoma are the states with the highest percentages of Native Americans, according to the Census Bureau.Įligible households also can receive a onetime discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if the consumer contributes $10 to $50 toward the purchase price.

Households on Native American tribal lands qualify for up to $75 a month. So to qualify, a family of three can have an income of up to $46,060 this year, compared with $29,646 in 2021.īenefit: The maximum monthly benefit changed to $30 a month from $50 a month for households not located on tribal lands. That job loss exception was eliminated in the ACP. “AARP is pleased to see the commitment from the White House to ensure that high-speed internet is not only accessible but affordable for all Americans - including older adults,” says Dawit Kahsai, senior legislative representative for AARP. “We are pleased to work with the administration and the FCC to increase enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program to expand broadband access to all.” In addition, Biden announced the launch of a website,, that has details on how Americans can sign up for the ACP and how they can find participating internet providers in their area. population lives, including nearly 50 percent of the rural population, according to a White House news release. The 20 firms collectively offer high-speed internet in areas where more than 80 percent of the U.S. That’s fast enough for a family of four to work from home, browse the web and stream high-definition video, the administration says. Internet speeds at that price must be at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) where a company’s infrastructure supports it. Among the 20 providers that have committed to offer all ACP-eligible families at least one high-speed plan for $30 a month or less are both huge carriers, including AT&T, Comcast, Cox Communications and Verizon (Fios only), and smaller providers, including IdeaTek in Kansas and Jackson Energy Authority in Tennessee. Nearly 40 percent of the households in America qualify for the $30-a-month credit, which means “most folks will get on for nothing,” the president said. High-speed internet is not a luxury any longer. “The need for high-speed internet is a little bit like it probably used to be like my grandfather talked about the need to have a telephone,” President Joe Biden said Monday at a White House ceremony. The rate is specifically offered for ACP enrollees, who qualify because of their lower household income. More than 11.7 million households are already enrolled in the program, which replaced 2021’s temporary, pandemic-inspired Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. households eligible for the federal government’s $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Twenty internet service providers have committed to offering high-speed internet access for no more than $30 a month to all U.S.
