Gov. Whitmer, AG Nessel highlight new internet affordability program from FCC

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) –  Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel want consumers to know about a new federal program supporting affordable internet access.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a benefit program now open for enrollment that helps households afford broadband.

The ACP is the $14.2 billion successor program to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), a temporary program that helped almost nine million people afford internet access during the pandemic.

“Access to affordable internet has become more important than ever before as we’ve adjusted to working and schooling from home,” AG Nessel said in a statement. “I encourage all consumers who qualify to take advantage of programs like the ACP to help offset costs associated with connectivity.”

Eligible households may now apply to receive up to a $30 per month discount off the price of their service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Readers can check eligibility on the ACP’s enrollment page.

“Reliable, affordable high-speed internet is increasingly important for work, school, and daily life,” Governor Whitmer said. “The FCC has set up vital programs to help millions of Americans get connected and lower costs. The new ACP program can cut up to $30 from a household’s monthly internet bill and up to $75 on Tribal lands. I encourage Michiganders to take advantage of this money-saving program.”

The new program is one resource available to Michiganders struggling to secure or maintain broadband access, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has set as a priority to address by launching the Connecting Michigan Task Force and the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office.

So far, the programs have leveraged millions in state and federal funds to give families and businesses access to high-speed internet.

Visit the FCC’s website to learn more about the ACP.