A new website at getinternet.gov lets visitors sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative launched late last year giving low-income households a $30 discount on their monthly internet bill, or $75 if they live in a tribal area, the White House said Monday. On top of that, a group of 20 internet providers has agreed to either lower their prices or raise their internet speeds so that ACP participants can access high-speed internet plans with price tags of $30 a month or less, the White House announced, meaning that many will be able to get internet service for free. The requirements to qualify for the plan are broad enough that nearly 40% of households can sign up for broadband internet, according to government estimates, extending the availability of a service that’s become even more indispensable in the age of remote work and education. “High-speed Internet is not a luxury any longer, it’s a necessity,” President Joe Biden said in a speech Monday. “We want each of you—each and every one of you to take advantage of the chance and cut your Internet cost.” To qualify, a household has to make at or below 200% of the federal poverty level—the level varies depending on how many people are in the household—or be eligible for one of several other federal programs, including food assistance, Medicaid, and Pell grants. Already more than 11.5 million people have signed up for the ACP benefit, and 48 million households are eligible, according to government estimates. Companies that agreed to offer $30-or-less high-speed internet plans include telecom giants Verizon, Comcast, Cox, and AT&T. The ACP was created by the bipartisan infrastructure bill and is an extension of an emergency program that provided discounts on internet service during the pandemic. Have a question, comment, or story to share? You can reach Diccon at dhyatt@thebalance.com. Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning!
