High-speed internet can be yours at low cost (even free); here's how to apply
Photo from affordableconnectivity.gov
As LINC works with KC Digital Drive to connect more households to low-cost or free Internet, more federal resources are coming into play.
Saying high-speed internet “is no longer a luxury . . . but a necessity,” President Joe Biden announced deals with several internet providers to boost America’s $14.2 billion program to help all households get low-cost, high-speed internet.
The Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP) pays up to $30 a month for broadband internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.
Get help with internet costs:
LINC, KC Digital Drive and other community support organizations are urging families to apply at ACPBenefit.org.
More internet service providers are lowering the costs of some plans so that many households under ACP can receive free internet of at least 100 megabits per second, the White House announced.
“It’s going to change peoples’ lives,” Biden said.
Millions of households qualify for help. Many already qualify if anyone in the household is receiving other federal aid, including free- or reduced-price school meals, food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, Supplemental Security Income and other services.
All families with students in the Kansas City Public Schools or Hickman Mills School District qualify regardless of income because a community-need provision that allows all district children to receive free meals also makes their households eligible for ACP.
Families not currently on any federal assistance can also apply and may qualify if household income is no higher than 200% of the U.S. poverty level. For example, a family of four earning $53,000 a year or less is eligible. See a full income chart here.
High-speed internet is now seen as an essential utility like electricity, water and gas. It’s how communities network. It connects families to services, job opportunities, school information, recreation, current affairs and more.
LINC is working with KC Digital Drive to help residents complete applications for low-cost internet service by adding ACP services to the benefits LINC offers at its Morning Star Caring Communities site in Kansas City.
KC Digital Drive has set up a local information website to aid applications at https://kcconnect.me.