You may be able to get free internet in Kansas City through a new federal program
Millions of Americans struggle to pay for internet service, but a new program with funds from the federal government is reducing the cost of internet for families that qualify.
In addition to this federal program, AT&T is offering a plan that would make broadband internet free for qualifying Kansas City families.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM?
The federal government’s $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program from the Federal Communications Commission is a program that works to get more families across the country the broadband connections they need for work, school and more.
If your income qualifies, you can get up to $30 a month taken off your internet bill with the ACP program. You can use this program with any of these providers, including AT&T, Google Fiber, Verizon and Vios.
WHO CAN QUALIFY?
You can qualify for ACP if:
Your household income is 200% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. AT&T has a table that reflects the guidelines, which shows a maximum income of $53,000 for a family of four.
You or your child are using government assistance programs, such as Medicaid or SNAP, you can qualify.
You or your child already receive a Lifeline benefit, which is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of your phone or internet service.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
You can start the process using this online form to determine your eligibility for ACP. You can fill it out on a phone or computer. Depending on how you qualify, you’ll need to provide proof of qualification by uploading, scanning or mailing the following to ACP Support Center P.O. Box 7081, London, Ky. 40742:
If you participate in a qualifying program, you’ll need an official document, like a benefit award letter.
If it’s based on your income, you’ll have to show a tax return or three consecutive pay stubs
A valid form of identification. This can be a driver’s license, birth certificate or passport, just as long as it includes your first and last name and date of birth.
Your physical address. You can also use a recent utility bill or mortgage statement for this section.
NOW—HOW CAN I GET FREE INTERNET?
AT&T has a discount plan that combined with this federal program, makes your broadband internet bill $0 a month.
The AT&T Access Plan is a low-cost program for low-income families to receive up to 100mbps of internet service. Previously, this discount plan only included 10mbps, so the plan will now provide faster internet.
The federal broadband assistance program called ACP allows for customers to get a $30 discount on their monthly internet service. The AT&T Access Plan costs $30, which makes it free, according to Josh Harris, director of sales operations with AT&T.
If you’re eligible for the ACP, you can get the AT&T Access Plan. If you’re not sure if you qualify for the ACP, you can check out this list, which lists a variety of qualifiers, including
After you apply and verify your eligibility for ACP and you want to enroll in the AT&T discount plan, you can call AT&T at 855-220-5211. You can also apply the $30 credit to a Cricket Wireless plan through AT&T.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO USE AT&T?
You can use the $30 a month discount from the federal ACP program with other internet providers in Kansas City too, such as Google Fiber, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.
If you think you or your family qualify, sign up now. The benefit is limited to one per household.
Do you have other questions about utilities or services in KC? Ask us at kcq@kcstar.com or with the form below.
