Senator Murray Announces Launch of New Affordable Connectivity Program Website

The Affordable Connectivity Program can help reduce monthly internet costs for nearly 1 in 5 people in Washington state

Senator Murray encouraged all eligible households to apply HERE

(Seattle, WA) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced the launch of the new Affordable Connectivity Program website to help people in Washington state and across the country apply for reduced internet service costs. The Affordable Connectivity Program, created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which Senator Murray helped pass, invests $14.2 billion in providing discounted internet service to families, and would provide up to $30 per month in financial assistance for eligible households and $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute at least $10 to the purchase.

“Today, high speed internet is as necessary as running water. I’ve met too many families in Washington state who go without reliable internet and it too often puts the families with the tightest budgets and least resources at an even greater disadvantage,” said Senator Murray. “I fought hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because it makes the investments we need to close the digital divide. With the launch of GetInternet.gov, it’s easier than ever to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program and I encourage everyone who is eligible to apply and get connected.”

There are now 186,157 households in Washington state who have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, and the White House estimates 1.4 million people in Washington state are eligible. Interested households should visit https://www.getinternet.gov to apply today.

Senator Murray has been instrumental and a leader in expanding access to broadband and promoting digital equity. Her landmark Digital Equity Act was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which President Biden signed into law in November. The Digital Equity Act establishes grant programs to fund activities that provide individuals and communities with the skills, supports, and technologies necessary to take full advantage of a broadband internet connection when they have one.

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