Delaware leaders launch statewide push to enroll families in affordable internet program

Anitra Johnson, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read
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In an effort to bridge the digital divide, Gov. John Carney and municipal leaders have announced the launch of a statewide campaign to drive awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program. The federally funded program helps under-resourced families pay for high-speed broadband internet access.

Aid extends to families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, those who qualify for SNAP, free and reduced-price school lunches, WIC and other government-funded programs.

Under the Affordable Connectivity Program, qualifying households can get:

  • a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer or tablet

  • a monthly discount of up to $30 on their internet bill

Concord High School students are working on laptops in this file photo from 2016. The Brandywine School District, which includes Concord, is part of a group of districts that bought technology together to save money.
Concord High School students are working on laptops in this file photo from 2016. The Brandywine School District, which includes Concord, is part of a group of districts that bought technology together to save money.

If combined with a $30 high-speed internet plan offered by some internet service providers, eligible families would not pay for high-speed internet service.

Funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program comes from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In a statement, Delaware’s congressional representatives, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester said, “We applaud Governor Carney’s leadership in prioritizing unserved and underserved communities and making sure all corners of Delaware can get connected to high-speed internet through this robust broadband benefit.”

Stakeholders act to enroll eligible households

More than 140,000 Delaware households are estimated to be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, but so far only about 32,000 have enrolled.

Leaders have partnered with EducationSuperHighway, a national nonprofit seeking to close the internet affordability gap, to build a coalition of local stakeholders and invested institutions in reducing the constraints that make it difficult for households to enroll in the program.

The statewide initiative began in late March with concerted outreach campaigns in Dover, Georgetown, Milford, Seaford and Wilmington. Other cities and towns that began participating in the Delaware ACP outreach initiative on March 21 include:

  • Arden

  • Bowers Beach

  • Cheswold

  • Clayton

  • Delaware City

  • Kenton

  • Newark

  • Smyrna

More cities and towns are expected to begin their awareness campaigns in the coming months.

Internet-service providers Comcast, Verizon and Mediacom are slated to connect 4,318 locations to high-speed broadband over the next 18 months.

Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com with tips and story ideas. Become a subscriber to access more stories and the best in local reporting.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: State campaign aims to increase use of affordable internet program