Keystone Today

Throughout Gov. Tom Wolf’s time in office, his administration has made it a priority to bring affordable, quality broadband internet access to Pennsylvanians, and he recently praised the efforts of President Joe Biden for work that has paralleled his efforts on a national level, a press release from the governor's office said.

On May 9, Biden announced that 20 internet service providers will be cutting prices or increasing speed for millions of people enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the release said. This makes it possible for eligible households to receive $30 off their monthly high-speed internet bill, and tens of millions of eligible residents can receive internet for no cost at all. 

“Broadband access is a necessity today, and that connectivity is critical to ensuring that Pennsylvanians can navigate their lives, whether through work, education, health care, community engagement, and more,” Wolf said in the release. “Along with access, affordability is also imperative, and the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making this happen. I’m pleased that the Biden Administration, as well as internet service providers, recognize and share this commitment to broadband access and affordability. Today’s announcement is another step forward for Pennsylvanians who want and deserve this infrastructure.”

The ACP takes off $30 per month from the internet bills of eligible families. Approximately 48 million families are eligible for the program, which equates to approximately 40% of the nation’s households.

In 2018 the Wolf administration launched the Pennsylvania Broadband Investment Incentive Program, a $35 million program focused on expanding broadband in rural areas, the release said. In 2021 his administration launched the $10 million Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program to bring high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved locations. And in December of last year, Wolf signed into law Act 96 of 2021 which created the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, an agency that will oversee more than $100 million in federal aid funds to provide broadband services statewide.  

To see if you qualify for the ACP, visit getinternet.gov.