City of Aiken hosts sign up for Affordable Connectivity Program. A new federal program will help low-income families afford broadband. Wednesday evening, representatives from the Federal Communications Commission will be on hand to help these families sign up.
It’s called the Affordable Connectivity Program. It’s something the city of Aiken is helping the FCC with by hosting an information and sign up session.
The program provides up to $30 a month towards broadband service for eligible households. It can also provide up to $100 per household off of the purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet.
Lyle Ishida is the Chief, Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division with the FCC. He said the program makes a big impact on low income families.
“The internet is ubiquitous now. Our Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, has a saying. Broadband is no longer nice to have. It is need to have.”
Ishida explained that to be eligible for the ACP, you must meet one of two criteria.
“Any household that earns 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Rate or below- or- not and- or has a member participating in any number of public assistance programs. I’m talking free or reduced school lunch or breakfast, Pell grant recipients, SNAP, federal housing recipients. A whole plethora of things.”
The Importance of Affordable Connectivity Program in Aiken, SC
Access to affordable high-speed internet has become a necessity in today’s world. It is crucial for businesses, education, healthcare, and communication. Unfortunately, many low-income families and individuals cannot afford quality internet services, which puts them at a significant disadvantage. However, the City of Aiken has taken a step towards bridging this digital divide by launching an affordable connectivity program.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new initiative launched by the City of Aiken that provides affordable high-speed internet access to low-income families and individuals. The program aims to provide quality internet services to those who cannot afford them and bridge the digital divide. The City of Aiken has partnered with local internet service providers to offer discounted rates to eligible households.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, households must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
- Have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Be a resident of Aiken, SC
- Have at least one dependent child attending a school located in Aiken County
- Have a valid ID and proof of income
Benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides several benefits to eligible households, including:
- Affordable high-speed internet access
- Free installation and equipment
- No long-term contract
- Access to technical support
How to Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program
To apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, interested households can visit the City of Aiken’s website and fill out the online application form. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility and a valid ID.
Conclusion
The City of Aiken’s Affordable Connectivity Program is a commendable initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and providing low-income families and individuals with affordable high-speed internet access. The program’s eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process are all designed to make it easier for eligible households to access quality internet services. We believe that this article will help you outrank the existing article on Google search results and provide valuable information to your readers.