1 in 10 Mecklenburg County households lack internet access. Here’s how that could change
The latest U.S. census data shows that roughly 10% of households in Mecklenburg County lack internet access, but a new program introduced by the Biden administration could change that.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, part of the administration’s bipartisan infrastructure law, provides eligible households with a $30 monthly discount on their internet bills, CNN reported. With some internet providers offering plans for no more than $30, President Biden announced Monday that families who qualify for the ACP benefit can receive high-speed internet for free.
“This ACP credit has existed for a while, but it’s been hard for people to understand how and why they should do it,” said Pat Millen, co-founder and president of E2D, a Charlotte-based organization that seeks to bridge the digital divide. “This program makes internet access almost like the public utility so many of us dream about.”
Each plan offers download speeds fast enough for a family of four to video conference, stream movies or TV, according to the White House.
Who in Mecklenburg County is most affected by the digital divide?
Nearly a third of households in Mecklenburg County with incomes below $20,000 do not have internet access, census data show.
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for universal internet access among impoverished families since in-person interactions with loved ones were discouraged, Millen explained.
“If you didn’t have internet access, you went a really long time without being able to have that meaningful connection,” said Millen.
Internet connectivity also gives people access to online banking, employment opportunities and medical care through e-visits, he said.
Who qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
If an applicant meets any one of the following criteria, they are eligible to receive the ACP benefit, according to WhiteHouse.gov if:
Your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines ($27,180). For each individual in your household, add $9,440 to that amount to see if you qualify.
You or someone in your household participates in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children or Federal Public Housing Assistance.
You meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband service provider’s existing low-income internet program.
How to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You can apply for the program online at GetInternet.gov, or send in an application by mail. Mail-in applications are available in English and Spanish.
Once your application is approved, you should contact a participating internet provider to choose a plan, and apply your benefit to that plan. There are more than 1,300 providers such as AT&T and Spectrum that accept the ACP benefit.
For assistance in filling out the application, Mecklenburg County residents can contact the Digital Navigator service, which helps community members sign up for affordable internet service, according to its website. Digital navigators can be reached by calling 311.
What if I need help getting a device?
Households that are eligible for the ACP can get a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-enabled device from participating providers, the White House says. The providers offering discounted devices can be found on the Federal Communications Commission website.
