Government Subsidized High Speed Internet

Can I Receive Both The Affordable Connectivity Program And Lifeline Benefits

Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordable Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Free Internet For Low

Many low-income internet programs focus on connecting students to valuable online resources, so they require that you have a school-age child at home.

If you dont have any school-age children, there are other ways to qualify for low-income internet service. Anyone with Supplemental Security Income can qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist and Internet Essentials from Comcast.

Introduction And Executive Summary

Since entering American homes in the early 1990s, the internet has fundamentally changed the way people work, play, learn, transact business and conduct their lives. In 2021, 85 percent of U.S. adults reported using the internet at least once per day.1 As commerce, recreation, services and other facets of life have moved online, reliable high-speed internet connections have grown in importance. Research finds that access to broadband internet can have positive effects on individuals and communities.2

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated trends in home internet use, with large numbers of households engaging in school and work from home. The monthly weighted average of internet data consumed at the end of 2020 was up 75 percent from the start of the pandemic in March 2020.3 In New York State, over 70 percent of adults in households with children in school reported to the U.S. Census Bureau that student classes had shifted to distance learning at least partially by the end of March 2021. Among working households, 41 percent had at least one adult shift their work to a teleworking environment.4 It has not been uncommon for all members of a household to be online simultaneously to complete work or schooling, and high-speed connections have been necessary to operate unhindered by delays or disruptions in connectivity.

Broadband Internet 101

Read Also: Government Money For Small Business

Policies To Support Broadband

By the late 1990s broadband was becoming available in the residential market through dedicated subscriber lines or cable lines. Decisions on deployment were largely driven by market conditions and the ability of telephone and cable providers to recoup large capital investments. A 2007 report by the New York State Department of Public Service concluded the uneven economics were resulting in a digital divide between urban and rural parts of New York State, and stated: Should it be determined that the state has an interest in all New Yorkers having affordable access to broadband, reliance on markets may not be enough.25

State policy goals subsequently focused on improving the strong but unequal deployment that resulted from the market-driven approach. In 2007, Governor Eliot Spitzer formed the New York State Council for Universal Broadband, an advisory group of public, private and academic partners charged with issuing recommendations to achieve universal broadband access, among other objectives. The goals were to achieve 1/1 Mbps speeds statewide and 20/20 Mbps in metropolitan areas by 2010, and 20 Mbps speeds statewide and 100 Mbps in metro areas by 2015.

FIGURE 15 New NY Broadband Program: Grants, Investment, and Locations Served

Pandemic-Related Policies

Recent New York City Broadband Policies

Internet Essentials From Comcast

If you live in an Xfinity area, you have access to the low-income program Internet Essentials from Comcast. Eligible households get 50 Mbps download speeds with free in-home Wi-Fi for $9.95 per month . Youll also have access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots and get the option to purchase a low-cost computer.

To qualify for Internet Essentials, someone in your household must participate in one of the following programs: NSLP, HUD, veteran government assistance, senior government assistance, or Pell Grant. Head over to InternetEssentials.com to apply.

Don’t Miss: Marketing To The Federal Government

$65 Billion For Improving Broadband Access

The Affordable Connectivity Program is just a part of the roughly $65 billion to improve access to high-quality, high-speed internet access contained in the bipartisan infrastructure bill that Biden signed into law Nov. 15, 2021.

Some of that money will go toward what Kahsai calls digital equity. The new law allocates $2.75 billion for digital literacy training to make sure that everyone regardless of language, ability or age has the skills needed to take advantage of their connection to the internet.

About $42.5 billion is being allocated to bring high-speed internet to unserved areas that will benefit families of all incomes. These often include rural areas where population density is low and mountainous areas that can be challenging for companies to reach.

This new service also must have speeds of at least 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads. Each state will start out with $100 million from that pot of money and will be able to get more based on its unserved and underserved needs.

With the new law, we have an opportunity to put a dent in the digital divide, Kahsai says.

Bundle Up With Apple Tv+

New subscribers to Apple TV+ get 3 months on us when you sign up with any Ignite InternetTM bundle with Ignite TVTM or Streaming, available to new and existing IgniteTM customers. Stream award-winning Apple Originals like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, easily searched by the Ignite Voice Remote. Sign up now to watch all your favourites and more!

*Offer for three month Apple TV+ subscription available until January 9, 2023 to new and existing Rogers customers subscribed to any in-market Ignite Internet and Ignite TV or Ignite Streaming bundle and not currently subscribed to Apple TV+. Subject to change without notice. Offer accessible on the Ignite platform and redeemable through a promotional code shared via SMS. Services must be activated and installed by January 9, 2023 to redeem. If you do not cancel your Apple TV+ subscription with Apple prior to month four , it will auto-renew on a monthly basis at the then-current monthly price. You can access, cancel or make any changes to your Apple TV+ subscription through your Apple ID subscription management.

Apple TV+ is a service mark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a sponsor of this promotion.

You May Like: It Governance Roles And Responsibilities

Next Generation Precision Ag & Broadband Report

USDA embarked on a groundbreaking analysis about the potential benefits of rural broadband infrastructure and emerging on-farm technology for modernizing the United States agriculture industry and all who depend on its success.

We found that enhancing digital agriculture technologies already in use today – and increasing producers usage to full-scale – could create at least $47 billion each year in additional gross benefit for the U.S. economy. Rural broadband e-connectivity is the driver of more than one-third of that potential value, equal to $18 billion of annual economic improvements for our nation.

Read the report released in April 2019 that describes how Next Generation Precision Agriculture technologies can be deployed together with high-capacity, reliable Internet services to Americas farms and ranches, including:

How Can I Lower The Cost Of My Current Internet Connection

Low-income internet access programs make a big impact, but they dont cover everyone who needs help with their bills. It also takes a lot of time and effort to switch providers, which is something not everyone has in abundance. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can try in order to lower your current monthly bill. You can find out more in our look at how to save money on your internet.

You May Like: Government Help With Student Loans

Federal Government Details $145 Million Spending To Improve Internet Access In Rural Ontario

The money will improve internet access for 23,000 households.

The Government of Canada is working to bring high-speed internet to 98 percent of the population by 2026.

The initiative has led to a barrage of announcements from the federal government benefiting several provinces, including B.C., Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario.

Most of the recent announcements focusing on Ontario provide details on the historic $1.2 billion investment the federal government and the Province of Ontario announced in July 2021.

Heres a breakdown of Ontarios most recent funding details that benefit rural and First Nations communities:

Commitments To Providing Free Internet

On May 9, 2022, President Biden announced that 20 internet providers had committed to offering eligible households high-speed internet access for $30 or less.12 This is significant because the Affordable Connectivity Program will cover up to $30 per month for qualifying low-income families, thus covering the cost completely and giving these families high-speed internet at no cost.

Although the providers that are committed to providing plans that work with the ACP cover more than 80% of the US population, not every provider is available in every area. To see which are available in your area, enter your zip code below.

You May Like: Entry Level Federal Government Jobs

Do I Qualify For Free Internet From The Government

To get free government internet, you have to meet any one of the three qualifications.

• Your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• You or anyone in your household already meet the qualification of a participating internet service providers existing low-income internet program.
• You or your family member participates in one of the government assistance programs.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , formerly known as Food Stamps

Fcc And Usda Working Together For Precision Agriculture

In June 2019, the Federal Communications Commission announced the formation of a new task force dedicated to advising the Commission on policies aimed at delivering connectivity so that American agriculture producers can use and benefit from precision agriculture. The new federal advisory committee, formally called the Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States, works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide the FCC with outside, expert advice on the needs and impact of telecommunications policy on the deployment of agricultural technology. The USDA serves as an ex officio non-voting member and acts as a consultant and resource to the FCC as they manage this important mission for rural America.

You May Like: Government Funded Home Care Services

Usda Is Investing In Rural Broadband

USDA has been investing in rural telecommunications infrastructure for decades. Hundreds of millions of dollars are annually available in the RUS programs both by loans and grants all to support modern broadband e-Connectivity in rural communities.

In 2018, USDA introduced the ReConnect Program, which has invested over $1 billion to date to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure in unserved rural areas and tribal lands.

This new funding option was created by the United States Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, which authorized $600 million for an ambitious initiative to rebuild Americas infrastructure. In FY 2019, Congress added $500 million to the Program, and in FY 2020 and FY 2021, Congress appropriated an additional $555 million and $635 million, respectively. The ReConnect Program policies and procedures were codified in the April 2021 ReConnect Regulation.

Free Internet For 48 Million Low

The Biden administration announced on Monday that 20 Internet companies have agreed to provide discounted service to low-income Americans, a program that could effectively make tens of millions of households eligible for free service through an already existing federal subsidy.

The $1 trillion infrastructure package passed by Congress last year included $14.2 billion funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides $30 monthly subsidies on Internet service for millions of lower-income households.

With the new commitment from the Internet providers, some 48 million households will be eligible for $30 monthly plans for 100 megabits per second, or higher speed, service making Internet service fully paid for with the government subsidy if they sign up with one of the providers participating in the program.

Biden, during his White House run and the push for the infrastructure bill, made expanding high-speed Internet access in rural and low-income areas a priority. He has repeatedly spoken out about low-income families that struggled finding reliable wi-fi, so their children could take part in remote schooling and complete homework assignments early in the coronavirus pandemic.

If we didnt know it before, we know now: High-speed Internet is essential, the Democratic president said during a White House event last month honoring the National Teacher of the Year.

Don’t Miss: Why Is Data Governance Important

Get Ignite Streaming With Ignite Internet Today

Add Ignite Streaming to an Ignite Internet package for just $5/mo. Search less and stream more with our award-winning Ignite Voice Remote for the ultimate streaming experience!

BONUS: For a limited time, Ignite Streaming comes with 6 months of Disney+ for on us when you sign up *. Plus, get Apple TV+ for 3 months on us when you sign up with any Ignite Bundle!**

Offer available for a limited time to new customers in Ontario that call in to subscribe to the services, where access/technology permits. Subject to change without notice. HDMI compatible TV required. Limit of 10 Ignite EntertainmentTM Boxes per account. Data usage subject to Rogers Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy . Registration for online billing required.

** Offer for three month Apple TV+ subscription available until November 23, 2022 to new and existing Rogers customers subscribed to any in-market Ignite Internet and Ignite TV or Ignite Streaming bundle and not currently subscribed to Apple TV+. Subject to change without notice. Offer accessible on the Ignite platform and redeemable through a promotional code shared via SMS. Services must be activated and installed by November 23, 2022 to redeem. If you do not cancel your Apple TV+ subscription with Apple prior to month four , it will auto-renew on a monthly basis at the then-current monthly price. You can access, cancel or make any changes to your Apple TV+ subscription through your Apple ID subscription management.

How To Qualify

Households that qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Lifeline, Pell Grants or free and reduced school lunches may apply.

Those with a “substantial loss of income” from a job loss or reduced hours since Feb. 29, 2020, may also qualify.

There is an income limit, however. Single applicants may qualify with 2020 income at or below $99,000, and the cut-off for married couples is $198,000.

Read Also: Government Rate Hotels Las Vegas

How To Get No

New Optimum customers can sign up for the Altice Advantage 30 Mbps broadband plan free of charge for 60 days. This offer is available for families with any K12 or college students in their household and is available for any area that Optimum serves. Optimum has extended this offer to the end of the school year.1

What Equipment Is Required For The Verizon Forward Program

Don’t Miss: Texas Government Assistance Food Stamps

Government Of Canada Invests Up To $31 Million To Bring High

Rural communities to benefit from increased connectivity to high-speed Internet

OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 19, 2022 /CNW/ – No matter where they live, all Canadians need reliable and affordable high-speed Internet. The Government of Canada is taking action to get people living in rural and remote communities connected to high-speed Internet.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced up to $31 million in federal funding for the Municipality of Pictou County to bring high-speed Internet access to over 4,700 households in rural communities across Nova Scotia. This funding is provided through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program designed to help ensure Canadians are connected to reliable high-speed Internet.

Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s progress toward ensuring that 98% of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient Canada for everyone.

Quotes

Quick facts

Associated links

Find Out If You Qualify

There are three different ways to qualify for the ACP benefit. You are eligible if you meet any one of the three qualifications below:

• Your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

• You or someone in your household participates in one of these other programs:
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , formerly known as Food Stamps
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools
• Federal Pell Grant
• Certain Tribal assistance programs, including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Head Start , Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

• You meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband providers existing low-income internet program.

You May Like: Register Business With Federal Government