L.A. County to offer internet service for low-income residents
Los Angeles County is launching its own high-speed broadband service, benefiting residents in South L.A., East L.A. and Boyle Heights. Some residents’ service plans will be as low as $25 a month.
The service, which will be available later this year, will be offered through public-private partnerships called Community Broadband Networks.
The new service will offer a fast, fixed wireless connection with speeds up to 2 gigabits per second. Market-rate plans will start at $65 for speeds of up to 500 Mbps, ranging up to $85 for 2 gigs, LAist reported.
Low-income residents could pay as low as $25 monthly for 500 Mbps and up to $45 for 2 gigs.
Eligibility requirements for the new program include a household income below 200% of the federal poverty line or receiving government benefits like SNAP or Medicaid.
Internet providers must now be more transparent about fees, pricing, FCC says
All plans come with unlimited data and no contract. According to the county, the most affordable tier would still allow a family to stream high-quality video on multiple devices.
The county is planning for the service to expand to other cities, but prices in those areas could differ based on who the county partners with.
News of the new service comes after millions of Americans face higher internet bills as a popular government program that granted $30 monthly discounts for internet service dwindles on funds.
The program’s final dollars are expected to be distributed in May to households as a partial benefit before funds are entirely depleted.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
