Daniel Prince
May 15, 2023
FCC Affordable Connectivity Program can also help with cost of purchasing computer or tablet
The Union County School District has posted a link on Facebook and on its website reminding parents about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. It is an FCC benefit program that ensures households can afford the broadband internet they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 a month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
There are income qualifications for the program, but all Union County students qualify under one of the other criteria listed, which is if a member of the household participates in the free and reduced-price lunch program or School Breakfast Program, including at US Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools. All schools in Union County are part of the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students. The provision is based on the percentage of students in a district who would be considered high poverty and eligible for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.
To enroll, go to getinternet.gov to submit an application or to print out a mail-in application. Then contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.