Keystone Today

Pennsylvania residents living on a low income are reminded by Gov. Tom Wolf to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is designed to reduce the cost of internet for those in need of assistance.

The ACP provides those eligible with a monthly discount of up to $30 for internet bills, a recent news release from the governor’s office said. It also includes a one-time $100 discount to buy a desktop computer, laptop or tablet from providers that participate. The ACP is administered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“The Affordable Connectivity Program is another opportunity to help us close the digital divide so that all Pennsylvanians can have internet service,” Wolf said in the release. “The need for reliable, at-home internet service is essential and this program aids more households in accessing the online resources they need for work, school and health care. I urge all eligible Pennsylvanians to apply for this program today.”

Eligible Pennsylvanians must meet at least one of the following qualifications: having an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, meaning that a single-member household income can be no more than $27,180 and a four-person family no more than $55,500; participation in a federal assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid or SSI; be the recipient of a Pell grant during the previous year; or if they meet a participating provider’s low income program.

To apply, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov, where the application can be done online or printed and mailed. Once approved, the individual must contact a participating internet provider to choose a plan. There is a limit of one monthly service discount and one device per household.

The ACP is funded with $14.2 billion made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL includes $65 billion for broadband build-out across the country, and Pennsylvania has been allotted $71.6 million.

“More than two million households in Pennsylvania are eligible but only 24 percent, approximately 490,000, are currently enrolled in the program,” Neil Weaver, acting secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), said in the release. “DCED joins Gov. Wolf in working to ensure that every eligible Pennsylvanian participates in the ACP and knows how to apply.”