Unlocking High-Speed Internet for Low-Income Families: Discounted Services Now Available in the Lowcountry! Internet access is a major topic across the country, but as more lines are ugly, officials say affordability and literacy become the next challenges. Charleston leaders are working to get people set up with the help they need through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The federal program helps people pay for internet service and devices. The Charleston Library is working to educate people about the program and help them get set up for it.
City of Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg says between the cost of housing, transportation and other utilities, people who live on good quality internet lines aren’t always connected.
“This is about affordability also, so there are folks out there who may not be able to afford that fancy internet service that fancy internet service that the good providers provide. And this closes that gap,”
People who are already part of a government program like SNAP, Medicaid, housing vouchers or have a veteran pension immediately qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The program offers up to $30 a month toward an internet bill, and a onetime $100 discount on device. You can also qualify based on the income chart.
We are excited to announce an exclusive offer for low-income residents in the Lowcountry area! The federal government has launched a program that offers discounted internet services to eligible individuals and households. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide equal access to high-speed internet for everyone.
The program is called the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) and offers eligible households a discount of up to $50 per month for internet services. The program also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for a computer or tablet for households who do not already own one.
The EBB program is available to households that meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Participate in certain government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline
- Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
The EBB program is a limited-time offer and will end when the funds allocated for the program are exhausted, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner. Therefore, eligible households are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To apply for the program, eligible households can contact a participating broadband provider or visit the program’s official website. The website provides a list of participating providers in the Lowcountry area, along with information on how to apply for the program.
We believe that access to high-speed internet is a basic necessity in today’s world, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to this critical resource. The EBB program is an excellent opportunity for low-income households to benefit from discounted internet services and bridge the digital divide. We encourage eligible households to take advantage of this program and apply today.
In conclusion, we hope that this article has provided valuable information to Lowcountry residents about the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. We encourage eligible households to take advantage of this program and apply today to benefit from discounted internet services and a one-time discount on a computer or tablet. We believe that access to high-speed internet is a basic necessity, and this program is an excellent opportunity to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has equal access to this critical resource.
