JANS – Jackson based non-profit, the Bean Path; the FCC; and Black Churches for Digital Equity want to help provide more affordable internet service for residents of Hinds County. On September 9, 2023 the Bean Path will host an enrollment event to help qualify households in Hinds County for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to receive discounts for internet services.
The ACP is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
“Here at the Bean Path, part of our mission is to be a tech resource to the community,” shares Kanika Welch, executive director for the Bean Path. “For the second year, we are helping the FCC to make broadband internet affordable for everyone. Internet service is such an integral part of our daily lives; that is unjust that everyone can’t afford it. It is our hope that the Affordable Connectivity Program can help to alleviate some of that pain point.”
Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. Not every internet company offers device discounts. Also, eligible households must identify as low-income or at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
“This program is for college students who receive the Pell Grant; families who are on free or reduced school feeding programs; citizens receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or Federal Housing Assistance; veterans; and the elderly who are on fixed incomes. If there are citizens of Jackson and Hinds County who fall into any of those categories, we want you to come out Saturday, September 9th and sign up.”
Mississippi will receive $1.2 billion in federal money to expand high-speed internet. During the enrollment event, Ty James, federal program officer with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will share information about how Mississippi is expanding access to broadband. He is scheduled to speak at 12 p.m.
Participants will need to provide documents from the last 12 months that include their or their dependent’s name and annual income. The ACP event will happen from 10 a.m-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 at The Makerspace, located at 451 North Gallatin St., Jackson. For more information or to register, visit https://www.beanpath.org/acp.
