Today, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced his office is working to help build awareness about the new Affordable Connectivity Program, recently launched by the Federal Communications Commission.

The new $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program has a long-term benefit that will help lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service.

Eligible households are encouraged to apply to receive up to $30 per month discount toward internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands.

Eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

“At a time when the digital divide in New Mexico is among the worst in the nation, the Affordable Connectivity Program can help students in our communities that are suffering with lack of access to the internet,” said Balderas. “I am pleased the federal government is taking steps to make sure that our most vulnerable populations have equal access to the internet and education.”

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if a member of the household meets at least one of the following criteria:

Has an income that is at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines;

Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC or Lifeline;

Participates in one of several tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;

Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision In the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;

Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or

Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

Eligible households can enroll now through a participating broadband provider or by going to ACPBenefit.org to submit an online application or print a mail-in application.

Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling (877) 384-2575.

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.