On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf advised low-income households across the state they could reduce their internet service costs by enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The program, administered through the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and local internet providers, provides qualifying households with up to $30 a month in savings on their internet bills, as well as a one-time $100 discount toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
“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 today.”
Qualifying households must have income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines ($27,180 for a single member household or $55,500 for a family of four); participate in one of several federal assistance programs; have a household member who received a Pell grant in the current calendar year; or meet the eligibility of a participating providers existing low-income program.
“More than two million households in Pennsylvania are eligible, but only 24 percent, 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.”
Interested individuals must apply online, provide their internet provider with their approved application, and select a plan to have the discount applied to their bill.