President Biden is expected to announce that numerous internet providers have agreed to reduce internet service bills for low-income households. Thanks to this program, more than 48 million households across the country will have access to high-speed internet. As a result, the eligible families can expect up to $30 monthly savings.
The Affordable Connectivity Program Will Reduce Internet Bills by up to $30
The announcement will follow a provision in the administration’s law to subsidize the internet for low-income households via the Affordable Connectivity Program. This will reduce monthly internet bills for eligible families by up to $30.
Some of the companies participating in the program are AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, which do business in multiple states. Smaller providers like Comporium in North Carolina and Jackson Energy Authority in Tennessee will also join in. As a result, their participation will allow millions of ACP-eligible families to have high-speed internet for free, according to the the White House officials.
Households Must Meet Certain Requirements to Participate
To be a part of the ACP, a person must meet specific low-income requirements or participate in one of the nation’s assistance programs. Namely, this includes the Medicaid, Pell Grants, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, etc.
It is not clear how the government will protect the program against potential misuse, considering that Medicaid has a large percentage of fraud, with a 14.90% improper payment rate.
This Program Is a Result of a Government-Private Business Partnership
Administration officials say that the companies who are participating are doing so voluntarily. Furthermore, they will not receive any benefits for their efforts or losses. In addition, David Watson, Comcast Cable CEO and President said that the program will help close the digital divide by giving more people access to the internet.
