Biden Administration Program To Provide Free And Discounted Internet Services To Low-Income Families

The Biden Administration is making moves to make internet services more accessible for Americans. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in November 2021. Now, while collaborating with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris developed the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). 

High-speed internet is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

But today, too many families simply can’t afford it.

That’s why in November, when we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we created something called the Affordable Connectivity Program. Here’s how it works.

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 9, 2022

Biden Administration Introduces ‘Affordable Connectivity Program’

“High-speed internet is not a luxury. It’s a necessity,” President Joe Biden tweeted. “But today, too many families simply can’t afford it. That’s why in November when we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we created something called the Affordable Connectivity Program.”

This program aims to assist families whose annual “income is twice the federal poverty level or less.” Additionally, families who receive help from federal programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income, may also qualify. A complete list of which programs satisfy the eligibility requirement is available on whitehouse.gov/getinternet.

Per an additional tweet by President Biden, “nearly 40% of American households qualify” for this program.

My Administration is taking steps to stop the exclusive deals that landlords make with internet companies.

If we can stop them, families will be able to choose the provider they want. That means companies will have to compete for business, which in turn means lower prices.

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 9, 2022

Biden Administration Says

Eligible households will basically receive a $30 benefit from the administration to use towards their internet connection bill. Twenty internet providers, such as AT&T and Verizon, committed to offering a monthly plan that caps at $30. This means eligible families who use one of the participating companies would get the services for free.

But, no need to fret if your provider isn’t on the $30 max list. Eligible families can still use the ACP benefit towards a different provider and just get $30 off their existing bill. The Biden administration has secured more than 1,300 internet providers that will accept the $30 discount.

In addition to the free or discounted services, the Biden admin also offered financial assistance with purchasing a relevant electronic device. Apparently, households that qualify for ACP can possibly qualify for a discount of up to $100. This can be applied to “a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.”

“More than 30 million Americans live in places where speeds are too slow or where there is no broadband infrastructure at all,” President Biden tweeted. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re delivering high-speed internet infrastructure to every part of this country.”

 

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Tune in as I deliver remarks on how we’re lowering the cost of high-speed internet for millions of American families and expanding access through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. https://t.co/SURNAY4Lfq

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 9, 2022