By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — IdeaTek announced Tuesday free high-speed internet service for low-income households in their current and planned service areas.
"They have a grant called the Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant, which was part of their CARES funding allocation for broadband, said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of Industry and Community Relations. "We are able to provide free internet to any low income qualifying household on our network. An additional benefit is that we also are providing a free device."
One free tablet device per household will be provided to assist with remote work, school or other connection needs.
"There is a deadline of December 30, 2020," Piros de Carvalho said. "It's very imperative that they reach out to us quickly."
Interested households should apply by calling IdeaTek’s Freedom Connect Navigator. This person's whole job for the next two months is to be sure those who are eligible get signed up.
"She has a dedicated number, (855) 433-2835," Piros de Carvalho said. "Her name is Tara, or you could also email [email protected]."
There are two ways to qualify. Be a participant in at least one of the following governmental assistance programs:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
Tribal Programs
Participants may qualify for this service through a child or dependent if one participates in any of these programs.
Option 2 – Qualify by income level:
Participants will need to provide either three consecutive months of statements as documentation or a copy of a tax return from the previous year.
Number of people in household
Income same or lower than the amount listed for household size
1-$17,226
2-$23,274
3-$29,322
4-$35,370
5-$41,418
6-$47,466
7-$53,514
8-$59,562
Internet service will be provided through all of 2021, once approved, then available at the reduced rate of $20 a month after that.