New program available to help eligible Wyoming residents afford high-speed internet

AARP of Wyoming is reporting that new long-term help is now available for Wyoming residents who are struggling to afford the high-speed internet services they need to stay connected to family members, friends, health care providers, work and so much more. 

Applications are now being accepted for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This is a $14.2 billion federal program created late last year as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. 

Here is the list of providers in Wyoming from the FCC site that participate in the ACP.

The ACP provides eligible recipients a discount of up to $30 per month for high-speed internet services. For Wyomingites living on Tribal lands, the monthly household benefit is $75 per month. It also includes a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider. On May 9, 2022, internet service providers in areas where more than 80% of the U.S. population live have committed to offering high-speed internet access as part of this program. 

“The pandemic has shown us that access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” AARP Wyoming State Director Sam Shumway said. AARP Wyoming serves more than 80,000 members aged 50 and older in the Cowboy State. “AARP fought for the Affordable Connectivity Program because too many Americans do not have access to the affordable, high-speed internet they need to work, connect with friends and family, see the doctor, and avoid isolation.”

AARP reports that Wyoming residents struggling to get by may be eligible to apply for the ACP, including those who: 

• Have household income of less than $25,760 for a single-family household or $43,540 for a couple (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.) 
• Qualify for the Lifeline program or Medicaid, receive SNAP or WIC benefits, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits.
• Live on Tribal lands, and have at least one person in the household who participates in Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance, Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

The ACP modifies and extends the existing temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program in effect last year as part of COVID-19 relief. More than 8.9 million Americans received support during the EBB’s 8-month tenure, nearly 40% of whom were aged 50+. 

Wyoming residents can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program now. AARP is encouraging all Americans who are without access to high-speed internet, or struggling to afford it, to look into the Affordable Connectivity Program today:

·         Click here for more information

·         Call: 1-833-511-0311

·         Text INTERNET to 22777