Affordable Connectivity Program offers discounts for monthly internet service to eligible households

​Eligible households in the Kansas City metro area can now sign up for steep discounts on their monthly internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has contracted with KC Digital Divide to help individuals and families in both states sign up for this new program, which offers discounts up to $30/month taken directly off the internet provider’s bill.  For some households using low-cost providers, this means their internet service will be free.

The ACP benefit program is designed to help ensure that households can afford the broadband access they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

Kansas City metro residents can sign up directly on the getacptoday.org website.

Households qualify for the ACP program if their income is below 200% of the federal poverty line or if anyone in the household is enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Veterans and Survivors Benefit, Free and Reduced-Priced School Lunch, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, and other programs listed here:  https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify/#other-programs 

“While internet has become as important as other utilities, on average, just over a third of households in the metro area are taking advantage of this affordability program. We have seen the success that outreach efforts have had in cities like Detroit and Cleveland, and we’re excited to work with community partners to make sure more people know about the ACP so they can stay connected at home” said Aaron Deacon, Managing Director of KC Digital Drive.  “Access to the internet is vital for full participation in today’s world, offering the opportunity for remote work, telehealth, online education, informational resources, and so much more.”

“As we continue to improve internet access in Missouri, we’re proud to support community partners like KC Digital Drive,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Our administration has made historic investments to strengthen broadband infrastructure, but our work isn’t done. We appreciate the efforts of organizations located across our state that are assisting in getting all Missourians connected.”

“Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury in the digital era, it’s a necessity that must be expanded to every family and community across the United States,” Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5) said. “Programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program are providing up to $30 per month in assistance for internet bills, giving Missouri families a little breathing room. Whether it is a student learning remotely, a small business expanding its customer base, or seniors utilizing telehealth services, access to high-speed internet is essential to leveling the playing field for rural and urban communities alike—and I was proud to vote for the legislation that is making that possible.”

KC Digital Drive (www.kcdigitaldrive.org) is the regional civic organization that supports the ecosystems for broadband, connectivity and digital equity, and emerging tech innovation, and helps to steward the region’s digital transformation. The organization was founded by the cities of Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas based on recommendations from the 2012 bi-state Mayor’s Innovation Team commissioned to consider how best to mobilize diverse community partners around collective action in digital inclusion and digital innovation.