Affordable Connectivity for Families: Digital Equity for Learning and Health

Many of us didn’t realize how essential good internet access was until the pandemic required so many of us to take our work, schooling, shopping and even healthcare into the virtual world. That experience also highlighted dramatic inequities among households and communities, in access to strong, stable internet service. A new government initiative, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), is taking on those inequities, working closely with internet providers throughout the United States. Passed by Congress as part of the 2021 Infrastructure bill and launched in January of this year through the FCC, this program makes connectivity affordable to most households – or even free, when combined with assistance already offered by local providers.   In this episode of Mom Enough, Marti and Erin talk with Karly Baraga-Werner, a graduate of Georgetown Law School and Senior Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast Twin Cities Region. Karly explains all the ins and outs of who is eligible, how to apply, and what, if anything, ACP participants will need to pay. Written material with all the details you need also are posted for free downloading on the Mom Enough website (www.momenough.com). If you don’t need the benefits of this program yourself, please spread the word among people you know! If you wish to provide printed information to people in your school, faith community or neighborhood, there also is a link on the Mom Enough site for ordering larger quantities of printed information in large quantities.   WHY IS AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY SO IMPORTANT? Think of the ways people of all ages are dependent on having access to the internet today. In what ways does access facilitate learning, access to healthcare, and a wide range of useful information and age-appropriate entertainment to the individuals in your family, whatever their ages? Who do you know who might benefit from ACP and perhaps also a local program, such as Comcast’s Internet Essentials, that can combine with ACP to make connectivity even less expensive or free?   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE INTERNET? ❉ Xfinity ACP. Check this link to see if you are eligible and learn how to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, where you can get affordable (or even free) internet with Xfinity Internet or Comcast Internet Essentials.   ❉ INTERNET ESSENTIALS. Learn if you qualify for Comcast's Internet Essentials program and how to sign up, if you do. You can also call 855-8INTERNET to speak with someone about Internet Essentials.   ❉ AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for broadband and internet connected devices. You can also call 833-511-0311.   ❉ INTERNET ESSENTIALS PARTNER PORTAL. Become a partner join the movement to close the digital divide. Access materials and resources that you can distribute. Help bring the internet to families in your community.