Closing the Digital Divide
Even with world-class broadband infrastructure deployed throughout New England, too many families still face hurdles adopting broadband service. Private broadband providers have invested over two billion dollars across the U.S. in programs to help families and individuals facing financial barriers get connected to the high-speed internet service available at their home.
Modernize Safety Net: Deliver subsidies to low-income families to help pay the monthly cost of broadband service while providing support for devices, in-home equipment and digital literacy training.
NECTA members offer low-cost internet service, computer equipment, digital literacy training, and technology centers across the country to increase broadband adoption for individuals and families who need it most. These programs include:
• Breezeline Internet Assist Plus
• Comcast Internet Essentials
• Cox Connect2Compete
• Spectrum Internet Assist
Affordable Connectivity Program
In addition to the above low-cost programs, the federal government is now providing historic support for broadband service plans. The Affordable Connectivity Program was established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is a benefit administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which provides a discount of up to $30/month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75/month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
All of NECTA members participate in the ACP, and in 2022, rolled out new internet service plans throughout their service areas providing qualifying households internet service for free via this program.
To learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program, click here.
To learn more about how NECTA members are connecting individuals and families across New England and the U.S., click here.