You Could Qualify For Cheaper Internet Under New Biden Program: Here’s What To Know

As many as 48 million households will now be eligible to get high-speed internet service at a discounted rate under the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) from the Biden Administration.

The White House has struck a deal with 20 internet providers, including AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, to offer low-income Americans faster or lower-cost internet with plans costing no more than $30 a month.

The program was announced on Monday by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the administration looks to make fast, affordable internet services available to those in rural and tribal areas of the U.S.

“From large providers like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon serving dozens of states, to smaller providers serving rural areas like Jackson Energy Authority in Tennessee and Comporium in North Carolina, the commitments will allow tens of millions of ACP-eligible households to receive high-speed internet at no cost,” the White House said in a statement Monday.

Under the Affordable Connectivity Program, low-income families will be able to reduce their internet costs by up to $30 per month or $75 per month on tribal lands.

As part of the program, the administration is launching the website GetInternet.gov where Americans can sign up and find a participating internet provider in their area.

Eligible households will be determined based on their income or participation in another federal program such as Pell Grants, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income.

In addition, federal agencies, states, and cities will reach out to qualifying households about the program to notify them of their eligibility, while organizations such as United Way and Goodwill will conduct direct enrollment and outreach.

The Biden Administration said nearly 40% of households in the country qualify for the program because their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $27,000 for an individual or $55,000 for a family of four) or they are part of a qualifying federal assistance program.

Currently, more than 1,300 internet service providers participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, and more than 11.5 million households have signed up to receive the benefit.