The Biden administration announced on Monday that it would be partnering with 20 broadband providers, such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast, to ensure high-speed internet for subsidized plans and its accessibility to low-income Americans.
"High-Speed, High Internet Quality"
This partnership is in line with the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which will aid a $30 monthly subsidy to help Americans pay the costs of their internet service. For tribal lands, they will be granted $75 a month.
"To ensure the most efficient use of those public dollars and to deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers-covering more than 80% of the U.S. population across urban, suburban, and rural areas-to either increase speeds or cut prices," the fact sheet reads.
They further noted that eligible households for this program would experience "high-speed, high quality internet plans" that only cost at least $30 a month.
Additionally, this project was finalized in November of last year, which is a part of Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law and the $65 billion investment that was allocated to increase connectivity in the country.
"Internet is Essential for Success"
Vice President Kamala Harris noted in the announcement how access to the internet is "essential for success" , especially in the 21st century.
"Every person in our nation, no matter how much they earn, should be able to afford high-speed internet and a high-speed internet plan," she said.
The partnership mandated the providers to boost the speeds of their low-income plans and lower their costs as well. People who are qualified for the program could receive free internet service if their low-income plans do not cost more than $30.
Verizon, in particular, decreased its $40 plan to $30, which ultimately makes service free for qualifying households.
The fact sheet also detailed how the Biden-Harris administration would launch this program. This includes the following:
Launching GetInternet.gov - this website will detail how Americans can sign up for ACP and find internet providers under this program near their area.
Reaching out to eligible households through federal agencies - households qualified for ACP will be determined by their participation in federal programs such as Pell Grants, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income. These agencies will coordinate with qualifying households. Particularly, the Social Security Administration will notify 1.6 million supplemental Security Income recipients via email if they are eligible.
Partnering with States and Cities- states will also be responsible for the decentralization of information.
Collaborating with public interest organizations- this includes United Way, Goodwill, Catholic Charities USA, UnidosUS, and many more.
Who is Eligible?
Almost 40% of households in the country are eligible for the ACP due to an individual's income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. An individual is also eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Participates in one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Federal Pell Grant (received in the current award year)
- Lifeline
- Certain Tribal assistance programs, including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider's existing low-income internet program.
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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
