High-speed internet is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet, also known as broadband, is essential to providing the connections Connecticut residents need to family, friends, health care providers, work, and so many more. It is vital to the success of our communities and businesses. It provides opportunities for people to learn, find jobs, stay healthy, avoid isolation, and more. 

For too many Americans, access to the high-speed internet they need is not available where they live. 

That’s why AARP fought for the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides long-term assistance for residents who are struggling to afford the high-speed internet services they need in these challenging times. Applications for the ACP, a $14.2 billion federal program created late last year as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, are now being accepted. 

The ACP provides eligible recipients a discount of up to $30 per month for high-speed internet services. It also includes a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. 

In addition to advocating for the Affordable Connectivity Program, AARP Connecticut supports Governor Ned Lamont’s proposal to invest in broadband and technology projects that expands and bolsters the state’s high-speed internet access, lowers the cost of service, and strengthens digital skills for all residents. 

Connecticut residents who are struggling to get by may be eligible to apply for the ACP, including those who: 

• Have household income of less than $25,760 for a single-family household or $43,540 for a couple (at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.) 
• Qualify for the Lifeline program or Medicaid, receive SNAP or WIC benefits, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits. 

The ACP modifies and extends the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program in effect last year as part of COVID-19 relief. More than 8.9 million Americans received support during the EBB’s 8-month tenure, nearly 40 percent of whom were age 50 and over.  

As the pandemic continues to take a severe financial toll on many Connecticut families, it is important that everyone take a close look at the new ACP benefit, because some families who weren’t eligible last year for the EBB program may be eligible now for the important broadband benefits provided by the ACP. 

Residents who qualify can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program now. AARP encourages all Americans who are without access to high-speed internet, or struggling to afford it, to look into the Affordable Connectivity Program today: 

• Visit aarp.org/ACP for more information 
• Call: 1-833-511-0311 
• Text INTERNET to 22777 

AARP Connecticut recently hosted a live, interactive Telephone Town Hall discuss details about the Affordable Connectivity Program with Eduard Bartholme, Associate Bureau Chief of Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau with the Federal Communications Commission, and Burt Cohen from the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel. The replay is available at vekeo.com/AARPConnecticut. 

Nora Duncan is the state director for AARP Connecticut.