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Internet discounts for low-income households, federal aid recipients
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Posted on Mar 14 2023
Low-income households and recipients of some federal assistance programs may qualify for a discount on new or current internet service and discounts on digital services, according to Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) in his e-kilili newsletter over the weekend.
Examples of federal assistance programs are Medicaid, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Federal Pell Grant, and veterans’ pension and survivors benefits.
Sablan said these discounts are available through the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company with oversight by the Federal Communications Commission.
The Affordable Connectivity Program helps low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
Sablan said internet providers in the Marianas that are participating in the program include IT&E, Docomo, U2 Connect Now, Tone Communication Services, Pacific Data Systems, and Dailytel.
An eligible household could receive up to a $30/month discount on internet service; up to a $75/month discount if the household is on qualifying Tribal lands; a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50); and a low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
