By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Director of Broadband Development Jade Piros de Carvalho wants to be sure low-income Kansans know of a way to reduce or eliminate their cost for internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
"We are embarking on a robust outreach campaign to help low-income Kansans recognize that this program exists," Piros de Carvalho said. "This program can reduce the cost of your internet service by $30, or, for some providers who have offered high speed 100 megabit speeds for only $30, you can get it free. This is available to anybody who has household income that falls below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines."
The graphic below represents 100% of the guidelines, so, based on your family size, if you make less than twice these amounts annually, you would likely qualify for ACP.
In other words, a family of four that makes less than $60,000 a year would likely be eligible.
"Additionally, a lot of people aren't aware of this, it also provides a $100 discount on a tablet or a computer," Piros de Carvalho said. "You could also get a device with this program."
There are many programs like Lifeline, SNAP and Free and Reduced Lunch that have, in some manner, income guidelines already below the 200% of FPL level, so if you qualify for those, you qualify for this.
"If you are trying to access the internet only from your phone, you are probably not as able to apply for a job, or take advantage of telehealth with your health care provider or work remotely or further your education," Piros de Carvalho said. "That device is just as important as the access."
To sign up for the ACP program, the state has a wizard at https://getacp.org/kansas that will walk you through some questions to find out if you are eligible.
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