Affordable Connectivity Program: Bridging the Digital Divide
Briditte D. Earp coordinates the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offering up to $30/month off internet costs and up to $100 off devices like tablets or laptops for eligible households. The program aims to provide affordable internet access to households meeting specific income or assistance program criteria. The two-step enrollment process involves applying via AffordableConnectivity.gov and selecting a service plan from a participating provider. Outreach efforts seek to raise awareness and encourage more eligible individuals to apply. ACP Outreach Grants are available for organizations to promote the program. Deadline for applications: January 9, 2023.
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Presentation Transcript
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP) December 8, 2022 Britte D. Earp, Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator, PA DCED
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM Up to $30 per month off internet costs Up to $100 off a device such as tablet or laptop for some participating providers Limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. 2
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS: Income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines OR Participation in several federal assistance programs including Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Veterans Pension and Lifeline OR Meets eligibility criteria for reduced cost internet program with participating internet service providers. 3
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM Two step enrollment process: 1. Apply via AffordableConnectivity.gov or print out a mail-in application from that site. 2. Contact the preferred participating provider to select a service plan and have the discount applied to the monthly bill. Some providers may have an alternative application they will ask to be completed. Eligible households must complete both steps to be enrolled and benefit from the program. 4
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM Outreach Opportunities: Generate more awareness about the program Ensure more eligible individuals apply 6
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM ACP Outreach Grant: to promote ACP and increase awareness of and participation in the ACP among eligible households. Eligible Applicants are state governments, local governments, public housing agencies, social service providers, education organizations, workforce development training organizations, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, community anchor institutions, public service organizations, consortia of eligible entities No match requirement. Funding awards to range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 Applications are due by January 9, 2023 7
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program (YHYI) Outreach Grant: for outreach activities (including application assistance) to increase awareness and encourage participation in the ACP for households receiving federal housing assistance. Eligible applicants are state, local, and Tribal housing agencies (including housing authorities) or non-profit organization, community-based, organization, or tenant association partners to federal, state, local, or Tribal housing agencies (including housing authorities) entities. YHYI funding will only be provided to entities that are selected to participate in the YHYI Pilot Program. No match requirement. 1 year grant period. Applications due January 9, 2023. 8
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM ACP Navigator Pilot Program (NPP) Outreach Grant: Provides funding to support outreach activities to increase awareness and encourage participation in the ACP among eligible households (including application assistance). Eligible entities are schools and school districts, or other local or state government entities, NPP funding will only be provided to entities that are selected to participate in the ACP Navigator Pilot Program. 1 year grant period No match requirement. Applications due January 9, 2023 9
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM More detailed information about the ACP Outreach grant programs can be found on the FCC site here: Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov) 10
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM Affordable Connectivity Program - PA Department of Community & Economic Development Any comments, input, or questions, please contact me: Britte Earp, brearp@pa.gov 717.433.8630 11
BRITTE D. EARP INFRASTRUCTURE IMPLEMENTATION COORDINATOR PA DCED 800.379.7448
