Free or low-cost internet is available for Delaware families. Here's how it works

Bethany Hall-Long, Mike Purzycki, Robin Christiansen and Arthur Campbell
Updated ·3 min read

School is out and summer is officially here in Delaware. But even as we take more time with family picnics or summer camp, we’re still looking for ways to stay connected. Summer can be a valuable time to get students caught up on math or reading, either at the library or at home using online resources. And for families, those online resources can be a lifeline to job opportunities, community resources, mental health support and so much more. That’s why we’ve come together as federal, state and local government partners to make sure that all Delawareans can afford to access the internet.

The Affordable Connectivity Program gives a $30 monthly discount on home internet services and can help Delaware families get low-cost or even free internet plans. This program is funded by the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, championed by Delaware’s congressional delegation.

We believe that access to reliable internet is just as important as access to other utilities like electricity and water. We found that to be especially true over the last few years as families became increasingly reliant on home internet for school, work, news, and entertainment. It’s no longer a luxury for families; it’s a necessity.

Fiber optic line illustration
Fiber optic line illustration

The problem is, home internet can be expensive, making it out of reach for many families in our state. And the digital divide is real. For instance, according to a Pew Research Center national survey close to a quarter of rural Americans and 13% of residents who live in urban areas say access to high-speed internet is a major problem where they live. Those gaps limit opportunities.

However, programs like ACP level the playing field, ensuring that no one is left behind. Households with incomes at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or households with a member that has received a federal Pell Grant, or households that participate in SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, TANF or SSI, among other federal programs, are all eligible for ACP. Several internet service providers in Delaware have agreed to offer home internet plans for $30 a month to those that qualify for ACP. That means some Delawareans may qualify for free home internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount per household.

The state and our partners at Education Superhighway — a nonprofit that aims to close the digital divide — have created a tool for Delawareans to check if they qualify and help them enroll. To start the 4 steps to get connected, visit getacp.org/de.

Every Delawarean deserves access to internet. That access sets our residents up for success, supporting families and children as they go through all the milestones in life — school, work, and so much more. This program will help us get there. We encourage you to research your eligibility today and take advantage of this low-cost or free internet program.

For more information

For more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program, visit getacp.org/de.

For more information about Broadband Expansion, visit broadband.delaware.gov.

For more information about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit de.gov/infrastructure.

Bethany Hall-Long is lieutenant governor of Delaware.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long speaks at a Delaware Drug Overdose Community Briefing and Response Meeting held at Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Newark, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.
Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long speaks at a Delaware Drug Overdose Community Briefing and Response Meeting held at Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Newark, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.

Mike Purzycki is mayor of the city of Wilmington.

Mayor Michael Purzycki speaks at the grand opening of the affordable housing complex, the Quaker Arts apartment complex, in Wilmington, Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
Mayor Michael Purzycki speaks at the grand opening of the affordable housing complex, the Quaker Arts apartment complex, in Wilmington, Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Robin Christiansen is mayor of the city of Dover.

Mayor of Dover, Robin Christiansen, rides in a Jeep during the parade at the Dover 4th of July Celebration, a celebration of independence in the capital of the first state.
Mayor of Dover, Robin Christiansen, rides in a Jeep during the parade at the Dover 4th of July Celebration, a celebration of independence in the capital of the first state.

Arthur Campbell is mayor of the city of Milford.

Arthur J. Campbell, Mayor of Milford, gives his remarks at the opening of Brandywine Counseling & Community Services (BCCS) new treatment center in Milford that will offer assistance to people struggling with opioid addiction.
Arthur J. Campbell, Mayor of Milford, gives his remarks at the opening of Brandywine Counseling & Community Services (BCCS) new treatment center in Milford that will offer assistance to people struggling with opioid addiction.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware broadband access: Free or low-cost internet available