Public Program Offers Affordable, Discounted Internet for Their New Computer
As families shop for computers and technology this holiday season, the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) urges all eligible families to get connected to the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $30 subsidy that can be applied to a home Internet or mobile phone Internet plan.
There are over 5 million households in California who are eligible for the ACP benefit. At the CETF-sponsored website, www.internetforallnow.org/applytoday applicants will find a list of qualifying programs and helpful tips for enrolling. Information is also available in Spanish, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Korean and Vietnamese. CETF also offers phone support.
CETF offers a few helpful tips for those starting their ACP application:
- Apply today online or by mail. Find mail-in directions at www.internetforallnow.org/applytoday, or call 844-944-3386 to speak with a Get Connected! ACP Support Center representative, who can start your application today.
- Make sure to have proof of identity on hand: U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. Military ID, State ID, Individual Taxpayer ID (ITIN), Social Security Card, Matricular or Visa Consula, or a Birth Certificate of a Minor.
- Households receiving Medi-Cal, HUD and/or Veteran Pension can be automatically verified in California and are encouraged to start with the benefits when applying.
- Name and address in application must match name and address in the qualifying program. Additionally, the last 4 digits of the Social Security Number (SSN) must be provided to match. Those without a SSN will have another opportunity to provide proof of eligibility.
- When the ACP discount is used with certain Internet plans, Home Internet can be FREE.
“Getting connected online, and in the comfort of one’s own home, is a life changing gift,” said Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of CETF. “If your neighbor or a family member qualify, please consider giving the gift of your time by helping them enroll in ACP to receive a $30 subsidy for home Internet. You can help them kick off the new year with a new connection.”
If you’re interested in supporting this work, donate to the CETF Digital Equity Fund a fundraising campaign that directly gets computers into the hands of California’s students and families.
About California Emerging Technology Fund
CETF is a statewide non-profit foundation with the mission to close the Digital Divide in California. CETF provides grants to non-profit community-based organizations (CBOs) to assist low-income households adopt broadband and become digitally proficient, leads and manages School2Home to successfully integrate technology into teaching and learning with deep parent engagement to close the Achievement Gap in middle schools in low-income neighborhoods, and promotes Digital Inclusion in public policy to achieve Digital Equity. For more information, please visit www.cetfund.org.