Millions of Americans May Qualify for Free Broadband Internet Program

A coalition of the 20 top internet service providers in the U.S. plan to join a a government program to offer broadband internet to millions of Americans. Based on qualifying income, the program will reimburse the cost of the service, making it free after the rebate for as much as 40% of the U.S. population, or 48 million homes.

As part of the program, the internet providers, which include AT&T, Comcast, Cox, Verizon and others, will provide at least one service plan that costs under $30 per month, with internet download speeds of at least 100 mbps. Families with an income of about $55,000 or less would qualify for the $30 per month refund, as would those who are receiving aid through SNAP, Pell Grants, Medicaid or SSI.

By joining the Affordable Connectivity Program. This is the first time these top tier providers have agreed to make their plans match both the cost threshold and the high speed requirement. To check qualification and sign up for the program, Americans can go to the new government website www.getinternet.gov. National charitable organizations, including Goodwill and the United Way, have stated they will assist Americans in enrolling in the program.

Although the internet providers that have already agreed to join this program collectively cover about 80% of the nation’s population, ISPs in more rural areas have yet to signal their commitment. This could leave out many potential customers in harder-to-reach communities.

“High-speed internet service is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” the White House said in a statement. “But too many families go without high-speed internet because of the cost or have to cut back on other essentials to make their monthly internet service payments.

“We have been working on digital equity issues for over a decade and believe this new program offers even more support to achieve those goals,” said Comcast Cable CEO and President David Watson in a statement. “We are proud to work together with our government and community partners to close the digital divide.”