HUTCHINSON, Kan. — IdeaTek is part of a federal program highlighted by President Joe Biden in a speech at the White House this week and is driving down the cost of internet for low-income households across its service area.
"Companies that signed on to the White House initiative, there are 20 of them, have chosen to further cut the cost of their 100-megabit, their high-speed internet product to zero," said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of Industry and Community Relations at IdeaTek. "That means no installation fee, no equipment costs, no contracts. We're really interested in bringing digital equity to some of these broadband divides across our network in rural Kansas."
To qualify for ACP, one member of the household must meet one of the following criteria:
- 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
- Is approved to receive benefits from the free and reduced-price school lunch program in the 2019-2020, 2020-21 or 2021-2022 school year.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
They have to sign up at ACPBenefit.org.
"There are some guidelines there," Piros de Carvalho said. "We do have a digital navigator on staff who can help walk you through that."
This also could serve as an incentive for all who are eligible to file the paperwork for free and reduced lunches as they enroll in school this fall.
"I have a letter going out this week to every principal and superintendent on our network across 19 counties that will describe this program," Piros de Carvalho said. "I'm asking for just a few minutes of their time to further discuss it and marketing efforts that will hit their district best. We do want to put a flyer in enrollment packets in districts that will permit that."
Since the USDA's COVID-connected free lunch program is ending with this school year, it is doubly important for parents who may qualify to get the federal form filled out this fall.