More than 1M N.Y. households enrolled in Affordable Connectivity Program

ALBANY | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that one million qualifying New York households have enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, a nationwide subsidy to expand broadband access to low-income households. Earlier this year, Gov. Hochul launched a multi-agency outreach initiative to build awareness of the program and encourage eligible households to enroll. The federal program provides discounts of up to $30 a month toward internet service for eligible low-income households. "The pandemic has showed us that with so many households relying on the internet for work, education, and government services, New Yorkers need access to affordable, dependable broadband," Gov. Hochul said Oct. 5. "Thanks to the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and a multi-agency outreach effort in New York State, we're connecting more eligible households to broadband subsidies than anywhere else in the nation. My administration remains committed to expanding affordable broadband, including through our $1 billion ConnectALL initiative, and helping eligible New Yorkers enroll in this important federal program." New York is one of the leading states in the nation for ACP enrollment, with 30 percent of eligible households currently taking advantage of this federal benefit. Eligible New York households are now collecting more than $360 million in annual subsidies. Sen. Chuck Schumer said, "The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on how the digital divide impacts our most vulnerable communities in rural and urban communities throughout New York. Access to affordable and reliable internet service is crucial to success in today's modern economy, which is why I fought to include a historic investment to expand high-speed internet access and create the permanent federal Affordable Connectivity Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, which builds on the Emergency Broadband Benefit program I secured in the American Rescue Plan, to finally bridge this divide. Now, thanks to the federal investments I helped deliver, and the steadfast advocacy of Gov. Hochul, over a million families across New York have received support through this program, ensuring they can stay plugged in to the future." Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said, "As we continue to work and learn remotely, high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. I am proud to have fought for federal funding to make broadband more affordable and accessible for New York families, and I encourage everyone in need of internet service to check their eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program and apply if they qualify."

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More than 1M N.Y. households enrolled in Affordable Connectivity Program

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