Thousands of Nevadans eligible for federal government affordable internet program
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — It's the largest affordability broadband program our country has ever seen, yet thousands of Nevadans still don't know that they could be saving more on their internet bill.
"We’re bringing high-speed internet with low-income housing,” says Nando Ateho with INTECH. "We pair those folks who qualify and give them access to high-speed internet for rates about $15 a month.”
The Affordable Connectivity Program, falling under the Infractrure Act, is part of a $65 billion broadband initiative designed to help connect those in need connect to broadband services at low costs. Those who receive assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC or more are eligible, as are those whose children also qualify for free or reduced lunch and more.
Under the program, those who qualify can get up to a $30 discount on Internet bills, and $75 for those on qualifying native lands. It's a discount that could slice the cost in half for many Americans, as the Open Technology Institute reports that the average cost of internet in the U.S. is $68.38.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from a participating provider; you must, however, contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
As an April Pew Research Report revealed, only 7 percent of Americans don't use the Internet, proving the permanent and substantial shift to doing services and life online.
"Access to high-speed internet is an essential amenity in life," said Ateho.
In a world where the Internet isn't just used for entertainment, but also for school, work and even healthcare, he says the Internet is a permanent and essential piece of infrastructure.
"We need electricity, we need gas, we need water and we need internet," he said. "High-speed internet provides a better education, better jobs, and a better quality of life.”
And an improved quality of life is something mom Brittnay says this program would give her family. She says her current internet service isn't doing much.
“I have two kids in school and almost all their assignments are online now, and half the time you can’t get on the internet," she said, adding that during the pandemic her daughter was counted tardy from class and docked points solely because she couldn't connect to the Internet.
Now, she and her family will be using INTECH services through the government program, she says she's relieved.
“I’m looking forward to this program," she said. "I definitely need it. We need it.”
Ateho says the program will also help give those in lower-income communities the same options as their higher-income neighbors. Now, parents can choose a remote job, and kids can do their schoolwork in the security of their homes without having to go to a parking lot to connect to WiFi.
"If you don’t have it, how are you going to succeed and compete and be a part of society, especially tomorrow’s society where it’s so ubiquitous?" he said. "Today people need the internet, not just to entertain themselves, but to have a fulfilled life.”
Visit the FCC website to learn more or sign up.
