Senator Murray Announces New Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program to Make Internet More Affordable for Washington State Families

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced a new program launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help make broadband more affordable for people in Washington state and across the country, and encouraged those who are eligible to apply. The Affordable Connectivity Program, created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit, invests $14.2 billion in providing discounted internet service to families, with financial assistance reaching up to $30 per month for eligible households and $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

“Access to high-speed internet is as important as running water or electricity these days,” said Senator Murray. “That’s why I fought to make sure we included provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will help cut the cost of internet service, so that everyone can get online. Making internet more affordable is one of the best ways we can create opportunity for Washington state families—it helps people get an education, access remote work, and so much more.  I encourage everyone who is eligible in Washington state to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

“Between lowering the cost of internet, my Digital Equity Act, and a major expansion of broadband coverage, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is going to help close the digital divide across Washington state in a big way,” Senator Murray continued.

An estimated 1,409,000, or 19% of people in Washington state, will be eligible for the internet cost reductions the program provides. Eligible recipients can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating service providers if they contribute at least $10 to the purchase.

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines;
• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
• Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

Interested households should visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp to apply today.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a long-term replacement to the current Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which was first created in the December 2020 omnibus bill. Senator Murray was a cosponsor of the legislation the program was based off, supported efforts to expand Emergency Broadband Benefit program access, and pushed for affordability and digital inclusion provisions ultimately included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

People who were previously receiving assistance through the Emergency Broadband Benefit that were fully enrolled as of December 31, 2021 will automatically continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. Individuals can learn more the program transition and steps they may need to take to stay enrolled after March 1st, by visiting https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.

Senator Murray has been instrumental in expanding access to broadband, and promoting digital equity. Her 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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