Can you imagine not being able to use the internet for a long time? The current year is 2024. The internet, social media, and other similar technologies are now a regular part of our everyday lives. It’s impossible to return to the previous situation.
Children no longer use encyclopedias for doing research for school. People use the internet. We use social media to stay connected with people instead of calling them on the phone. Many of us now do most of our shopping online. Internet service can be expensive. Due to the high inflation and cost of living in New Jersey, some people require assistance to afford their homes.
Affordable Internet for NJ Residents
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a program created by the US government to assist low-income households in affording internet service. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to help families who were having trouble affording internet costs. It has now been replaced by another program.
The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 per month for eligible households to help cover the cost of broadband services. Along with the monthly subsidy, you can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 for a device like a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. The goal is to reduce the digital divide by making internet access cheaper for families with low income.
This will help them take part in online education, telehealth services, job searches, and other activities on the internet. Regrettably, next month, a significant number of individuals who are part of the program in New Jersey may no longer have access to the internet.
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Affordable Connectivity Program Could be End in NJ
In May, many people may not be able to use the internet because there is not enough money to support the ACP. According to WhistleOut.com, if the program isn’t fully funded, more than 322,000 residents could lose their internet connection. Right now, residents of NJ might only get a partial discount for connection. If the program doesn’t receive funding by the end of May, the service will be stopped and 322,997 people will be without internet access.
However, it would be quite expensive to maintain the program.
“Based on the number of enrolled households, it would cost $7.8 billion to fund the program again at $30/month for 12 months. The cost for California alone to fund its ACP recipients for a year is over $1 billion. Additionally, this price tag is determined based on current enrollees. When the FCC realized that the ACP would run out of funding, it locked out new applicants from joining the program. If applications are reopened, that figure would only increase.”
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