President Biden has signed off on a discounted internet program that will help millions of households.
On Monday, the Biden administration announced that they’d teamed up with 20 internet providers to offer low-income families discounted or free services. Last year, Congress approved $14.2 billion to go towards the program known as the Affordable Connectivity Program. For millions of financially challenged homes, it gives $30 monthly subsidies on internet service or $75 in indigenous territories.
The initiative is expected to help nearly 48 million households cut down on their internet bills as long as they sign up with one of the participating internet providers. Biden has prioritized the program with remote learning and working in mind during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“If we didn’t know it before, we know now: High-speed internet is essential,” Biden stated last month during the White House’s National Teacher of the Year event.
Several of the providers participating in the program include AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon, Vermont, Starry, and MediaCom, among others. To receive the discounted service, household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Citizens may also be eligible if a family member participates in SNAP, public housing, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
Internet users should check with their internet service providers to see if they are part of the initiative.
